A former Ipswich Town and England player has urged people to become organ donors, saying a liver transplant saved his life.
Kieron Dyer, 44, who began his career at Portman Road, received teh transplant two years ago after being diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis, a chronic disease affecting the liver.
“I was very, very sick,” Dyer told BBC Radio Suffolk. “I was just tired all the time.I put it down to getting older, but it was more serious than that.”
He said he initially dismissed the symptoms, but his wife encouraged him to see a doctor.
“I didn’t realize how close I was to death,” he added.
Dyer, who also played for Newcastle United, West Ham United and QPR, said he was now feeling “fantastic” and wanted to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
“Without that liver, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said. “I want to encourage everyone to sign up to the organ donor register. You could save someone’s life.”
According to NHS Blood and Transplant, around three people die every day waiting for a transplant.
There are currently over 7,000 people on the UK’s transplant waiting list.
You can find out more about organ donation and how to register at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/.
Former Norwich City Manager David O’Leary Advocates for Organ Donation
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David O’Leary, the former manager of Norwich City and Leeds United, is a vocal advocate for organ donation, having publicly shared his own commitment to donating his organs. He urges others to register as donors to potentially save lives, including those of children.
Football Career and Media Appearances
O’Leary enjoyed a successful career as a footballer, playing as a defender for Arsenal, Liverpool, and Leeds United. He later transitioned into management, notably leading Leeds United to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-oleary-norwich-city-manager-sacked-a8149996.html He also appeared on the reality television show I’m A Celebrity, Get Me out Of Here in 2015. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-suffolk-35149455
O’Leary’s Plea for Organ Donation
O’Leary has publicly stated his intention to donate his organs, saying, “Volunteer to give your organs up and help millions and millions of people.” He emphasized the importance of increasing the number of organ donors, stating, “I am on the organ list to give everything, the lot, and the more people who are donators, the more chance people – including children – will have of living.”
The Importance of Organ Donation
Organ donation is a critical process that saves and improves countless lives. According to the NHS Blood and Transplant service, thousands of people in the UK are waiting for organ transplants. https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/ A single donor can save or improve the lives of multiple people. Organs that can be donated include:
* Heart
* Lungs
* Liver
* Kidneys
* Pancreas
* Small bowel
* Corneas
* Skin
* Heart valves
* Bones
How to Become an Organ Donor
In the UK, you can register to become an organ donor through the NHS Organ Donor Register. As of May 2020, an ‘opt-out’ system is in place in England, meaning that adults are considered to have consented to organ donation unless they have explicitly stated otherwise. Though, registering your decision is still crucial to ensure your wishes are known.https://www.gov.uk/register-organ-donor
You can register online or by calling 0300 123 23 23. It’s also important to discuss your decision with your family, as their support is vital.
key Takeaways:
* David O’Leary is a prominent advocate for organ donation.
* Thousands of people in the UK are currently waiting for organ transplants.
* Registering as an organ donor is a simple yet impactful way to potentially save lives.
* Discussing your decision with your family is crucial.
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