Don’t let the Alder Hey scandal put you off – that’s the message from two newspapers as they try to attract more organ donors.

Both the Western Morning News and the Bath Chronicle have launched campaigns urging readers to sign up for donor cards.

The appeals follow widespread concern that the publicity surrounding Alder Hey Children’s Hospital will dull people’s enthusiasm for the donor card scheme.

The Bath Chronicle also blames inadequate supplies of the cards and a lack of available information.

It said: “Most chemists in the city either do not stock the cards or have run out, while council run buildings such as the Guldhall do not have them.”

Campaigner Frank Howarth, who has worked with organ donation charities for years, said: “This is a very positive campaign in raising public awareness. It is vitally important to carry a card because they do save lives.”

In Plymouth, Greta Vicary, who is awaiting a new kidney, stressed the importance of the Western Morning News appeal.

She said: “As the mother of twin boys, I would appeal to your readers to support your campaign and register their organs for donation. Lives can be saved.

“I feel like I am sitting on a timebomb and that the time is ticking away for me.”

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