United Support Organ Donor Campaign

Newcastle United are joining a host of Barclays Premier League and Football League clubs in support of a national campaign which encourages fans to help tackle the UK's organ transplant waiting lists.

'Sign for Life' is an NHS Blood and Transplant initiative which asks supporters and their families to consider joining the Organ Donor Register.

While there are 10,000 people currently in need of a transplant in the UK, just one organ donor can transform the lives of up to nine people.

Newcastle upon Tyne is widely regarded as one of the world's leading light in organ transplant expertise, with the Freeman Hospital home to the country's first Institute of Transplantation.

The 2015 British Transplant Games are also being held on Tyneside from 30th July to 2nd August, attracting hundreds of transplant recipients and thousands of spectators to venues across Newcastle and Gateshead.

Dr Paul Catterson, club doctor at Newcastle United, said: "Having worked on the transplant wards at the Freeman Hospital during my medical training, I have seen the massive life changing impact donors can have on patients' and families' lives.

"There is a huge shortage of appropriate organs at present and it takes only a few minutes to sign up. Please spare your time to sign the organ donation register in order to give life to someone else."

Anthony Clarkson, assistant director for Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said, "We are asking all football fans to take a moment to reflect on matchday not just on their team's result, but on whether they would like to help others to live after they have died by donating their organs.

"We are delighted that so many top teams are working with us to encourage their fans to join the Organ Donor Register, showing that they want to save and improve the lives of others.

"Football is our national sport and the passion fans have for the game and their team will, through this campaign, offer hope to all those who are waiting for a transplant."

Teams across the country have pledged their support for the Sign for Life campaign.

Newcastle United are onboard alongside clubs including Saturday's visitors to St. James' Park - Aston Villa - as well as Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke City, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.

Getting involved with the campaign is simple. To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, click here or call 0300 123 23 23.

Let your friends and family know when you have signed the Organ Donor Register and join the conversation online by using the campaign hash tag #organdonor.