The UK's organ transplant waiting list has reached a record high of nearly 8,700 patients, with nine people dying each week while waiting for a transplant, according to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). This has led NHSBT to activate its "urgent" organ donation response plan, a move described as "unprecedented" by John Richardson, assistant director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation. The plan aims to address the growing demand for organs and improve the efficiency of the donation process. Eman David, a 22-year-old from Manchester, has spent much of her life in and out of hospital due to kidney failure. She received a successful kidney transplant in 2014, which allowed her to enjoy her childhood, but in 2021, her body began rejecting the organ, and she returned to dialysis. She is still waiting for a second transplant and described the experience as draining. "Dialysis just drains you," she said, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the treatment. The waiting list for kidney transplants alone includes 7,200 patients. Despite a recent change in the law that introduced an opt-out system for organ donation—meaning people are considered organ donors unless they register otherwise—family consent rates for organ donation have dropped from 67 per cent in 2020-21 to 57 per cent last year. This decline is attributed to people not registering their donation preferences, leaving families uncertain about their loved ones' wishes. Becca Moore, 31, received a kidney transplant from her cousin in 2019 but faced rejection in 2023. She is currently undergoing haemodialysis three times a week and has transitioned to home dialysis, which has allowed her to work and recently get married. However, she still needs a transplant and continues to wait for a life-changing opportunity. Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, emphasized the personal impact of the waiting list, stating that every number represents a person with hopes and dreams waiting for a life-changing call. Fiona Carragher, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, highlighted the importance of organ donation and the need for scientific research to improve transplant outcomes and reduce waiting times. Both organizations are urging the public to consider registering their donation preferences and supporting research to address the growing demand for transplants.