The University’s iconic Trent Building will be lit up pink on Wednesday 9 September to help raise awareness of organ donation.

The building will be one of many well-known Nottingham landmarks lit up to mark national Organ Donation Week, which runs from 7 -13 September this year.

The annual campaign, run by the NHS Blood and Transplant service, aims to raise awareness of organ donation, encourage people to discuss the issue with loved ones and register their wishes online.

Other buildings that will be in the pink include Queen’s Medical Centre, King’s Mill Hospital, and the Council House in Market Square.

This year, following a change in the law that means organ donation in England is now an ‘opt out’ system, the Organ Donation Committee at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust are joining NHS Blood and Transplant in asking people speak to their loved ones about what they want to happen to their organs after they die, and to register their wishes through the online organ donation register.

Currently in the UK there are over 4,200 people waiting for an organ transplant. National data from the NHS Blood and Transplant service reveals that, compared to last year, there has been a 1% fall in the number of deceased donors, whilst the number of living donors fell by 4%. Sadly hundreds of people die every year whilst waiting for an organ.

Sadie Harris, Specialist Nurse (Organ Donation) at NUH Trust said: “The change to an ‘opt out’ system has brought with it some misconceptions, but we want to use this week to reassure people that they still have control of what happens to their organs after they die. Donated organs improve and very often save lives, so we’re encouraging people considering organ donation to visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website and to register their decision today”.

Dr Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University, said: “We’re delighted to support this cause and light our historic Trent Building pink. We hope in doing so, along with other Nottingham landmarks, we will encourage more people to have a discussion about organ donation with their loved ones.

As well as turning local buildings pink, the trust has also worked with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to wrap two of its fire engines with distinctive pink organ donation artwork.

Find out more about organ donation, including what the change in the law means and sign the Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk. You can also call 0300 123 23 23.