Macclesfield Express editor Mike Quilley is leading the paper's push to get more people to sign up as organ donors.

He joined a number of high profile locals for the launch of the Have a Heart campaign, including MP Sir Nicholas Winterton, the county High Sheriff, John Richards, as well as police chiefs, civic dignitaries, health staff and local clergy.

Express health reporter Stephanie Turner was also involved in the launch event.

Mike, who also edits the sister papers in Wilmslow and Knutsford, said: "I am proud to be backing this campaign. We all know the great sadness we feel when we lose someone close to us.

"Giving others the chance of life by being prepared to donate our organs is the least we can do for others."

He explained that the number of people expected to need a transplant will rise because of an ageing population and an increase in the incidence of kidney failure.

And scientific advances meant more people were able to benefit from a transplant.

The initiative is being launched with the help of Macclesfield Council and Macclesfield Hospital.

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