'Another family's loss gave me life': Fife man speaks as organ donation law changes

A Fife man has revealed how organ donation saved his life - as a new opt out system comes into force across Scotland.

The law change means that if anyone 16 and over has not recorded a decision about donation, they could be considered as a possible donor if they die.

It is hoped that will lead to more help for people who need an organ transplant.

NHS Fife is asking locals across the Kingdom to make time to share their donation decision.

Anyone who has made a decision is being asked to record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register, with information available online.

Janette Owens, NHS Fife's director of nursing said: "The law around organ and tissue donation is changing to help save and improve lives. 

"I’d encourage people to think about what they’d want to happen as every opportunity for donation is precious.

"Whatever you decide, record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family to help ensure that decision is honoured. 

"If you’ve already recorded your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, there is no need to re-register as it will still stand when the new law is introduced."

RAF aeronautical engineer Luke Ripley, from Glenrothes, had a donor heart found for him in September 2019.

He was admitted to hospital just three days before he turned 39 and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, after suffering flu-like symptoms.

Luke was then transferred to the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank for urgent treatment.

He was placed on an intra-aortic balloon pump machine, which kept him alive while he waited for a life-saving transplant.

Luke, who is now 40, has been shielding at home since he received his new heart, except for two weeks before the coronavirus pandemic.

He tells Kingdom FM that he thinks the new system will be a big boost in the search for donor organs: