Through your letters page, I should like to give my sincere thanks to the residents of West Somerset who responded to the appeal for more organ donors received with their electoral return form in the autumn.

These thoughtful people have joined almost 11 million others across the country who have placed their names on the NHS Organ Donor Register pledging to save lives by allowing their organs to be used for transplantation after their death.

Transplant surgery is one of the most amazing advances in modern medicine and is helping to save and transform the lives of thousands of people every year but, sadly, many people still die because of a shortage of donor organs.

Campaigns such as the Vote for Life appeal, supported by your local council, are helping enormously but many more potential donors are needed if we are ever to overcome the chronic national shortage of organs available for transplant.

We know that 90% of the population support transplantation but only 19% have so far joined the NHS Organ Donor Register.

We need more people to put their names on the register and discuss their wishes with their families.

Not only does organ donation save lives but many relatives say they have gained great comfort from knowing that their loved one, although no longer with them, has helped someone else to enjoy renewed life.

Anyone wanting to add their name to the NHS Organ Donor Register can do so online at www.uktransplant.org.uk or by ringing the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400.

SUE SUTHERLAND Chief Executive