NEW research reveals that most North-East people would accept an organ if needed, but only a quarter would donate one.

There are 267 people waiting for an organ transplant in the North-East, with 14 people dying last year while waiting.

There are 668,704 people on the organ donation register in the region.

The research showed that 96 per cent of people in the North-East would accept an organ, yet only 25 per cent have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Of those, 45 per cent said they intend to sign up to the register and commit to donate organs for transplantation after death, but have not got round to it.

While some people are still unclear about how to register, 17 per cent are ready to act now. A further 19 per cent need to involve their family in the decision.

Figures for North Yorkshire were unavailable.

A new campaign aims to increase significantly the number of people on the register.

Kaylee Davidson, of Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, who had a heart transplant, said: “Receiving a heart made the difference between life and death for me. I believe that if you would be willing to take an organ, you should join the Organ Donor Register.

Please do it today.”