Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge has drafted in a pink and purple bus to spread the message of National Organ Donation Week.

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) are raising awareness with the help of the 18-tonne, double decker Stagecoach bus, emblazoned with the message that 'two minutes could save nine lives'.

The aim is to encourage residents to confirm their decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Royston Crow: CUH consultant and clinical lead for organ donation, Dr Riaz KayaniCUH consultant and clinical lead for organ donation, Dr Riaz Kayani (Image: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

The bus comes into service ahead of National Organ Donation Week, which is an annual, week-long campaign and takes place from Monday, September 18 to Sunday, September 24.

Organisers emphasise that the more people they reach, the more people register and the more lives are saved.

There were 40 patients who donated their organs after death at CUH last year, helping a national effort that saved or approved the lives of 4,532 people across the UK who were desperately in need of a transplant.

According to the annual Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report, Addenbrooke's ranks third out of the top 20 donor hospitals in the UK last year, and is also known internationally for its transplant programme.

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CUH consultant and clinical lead for organ donation, Dr Riaz Kayani, said: "We are again delighted to support this year’s campaign and could not think of a bigger or bolder way to do it than on the sides, and back, of a pink and purple double decker bus.

"Our aim is not only to remind the public to confirm their decision on the official website, but to draw attention to the generosity of those who have already done so. They are the real heroes."

Specialist nurse for the Eastern Organ Donation Services Team at NHS Blood and Transplant, Jo Barrett, added: "We are so proud of our donors and donor families, as well as all the hospital staff who help facilitate every single donor."

You can sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, opting to donate some or all of your organs, and learn about other ways you can help, at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/.

You can also call the dedicated advice line on 0300 303 2094.