Organ donors in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk urged to give the ‘gift of sight’
Thousands of West Norfolk people who are registered organ donors are being urged to give the gift of sight by agreeing to also donate their corneas.
More than 4,000 people in England are on the list for a cornea transplant - some waiting for more than a year - and the NHS Blood and Transplant service has highlighted the shortage of donors as part of the recent World Sight Day.
A spokesperson for the blood and transplant service said there are more than 64,000 people in the Lynn and West Norfolk district on the NHS Organ Donor Register and they are being urged to register to donate their corneas as well and make their families aware of their wish.
One man who is desperately hoping for the gift of sight is Ben Cronin who has had to give up his job while he waits for a cornea (the clear, outer layer of the eye) transplant.
However, Ben is still managing to volunteer, despite his deteriorating condition, and helps with the East of England Ambulance service’s welfare wagon at Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The 33-year-old, who lives outside the West Norfolk area with his partner, has been waiting since June to undergo an operation at the James Paget University Hospital at Great Yarmouth.
Ben said: “The vision in my left eye has become increasingly blurred and unstable. Everyday tasks that most people take for granted, such as reading signs, recognising faces, or driving, have become extremely challenging. A cornea transplant is now the only option to restore some clarity and stability to my sight.
“My vision problems affect every part of my daily life. Simple activities have become difficult and exhausting. I had to leave my previous job as an administrator and even in my volunteering roles, I find myself struggling.
“I have been on the waiting list for a cornea transplant since the end of June, but it already feels like a long time. It is a strange balance between hope and uncertainty. As the son of a donor, I am deeply aware that my chance of seeing clearly again will come through someone else’s loss, and that is a difficult thought to hold.
“A cornea transplant would give me back a part of my life that has been slipping away. Until I have had this transplant, I am unable to apply for new jobs or begin my nurse training. I will be forever grateful to my donor and their family.
“I would tell people that donation, whether it is corneas, tissues, organs or blood is one of the most selfless and powerful gifts anyone can give. Corneal donation does not just restore sight; it restores independence, dignity, and a person’s place in the world. Two small, transparent pieces of tissue can completely transform someone’s life.”
Ben’s dad, also called Ben, died in 2011 aged 69. His wish was to donate his corneas which went on to save the sight of two people.
Speaking about his dad’s decision Ben said: “Organ and tissue donation was something our family had always supported and spoken about openly. We were able to confirm that it was what he would have wanted. The decision felt natural and right.
“I feel immensely proud of my dad and comforted by the knowledge that he helped others. Donation did not take away the pain of losing him, but it gave that loss meaning. It is something that continues to make me proud every single day.
“As someone who is now waiting for a cornea transplant myself, the connection feels even more personal. It is humbling to be on both sides of donation - as part of a donor family and as a future recipient.”
Ben added: “As a donor family, our message is simple: talk to your loved ones about donation and make your wishes known. Donation is a deeply compassionate act that can bring comfort and pride to those left behind, as well as transform the lives of others.”
Most people (82% of registrants on the NHS Organ Donor Register) are willing to donate all their organs and corneas after death. Of the 18% who have chosen not to donate all organs and corneas, almost two thirds have said they do not want to donate their corneas – around 3.3 million people, the blood and transplant service has said.
Most people, of any age and with most medical histories, can donate their corneas when they die - even if they are unable to be an organ donor. Even having sight problems, for example, cataracts, does not mean someone can’t be a cornea donor, the service said.
Kyle Bennett, assistant director - Tissue and Eye Services at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “By agreeing to donate your corneas, you can transform the life of someone who hasn’t been able to see their family properly or live a normal life. Thousands of people are waiting for eye surgery which can transform their sight and their life. Giving the gift of sight is incredibly powerful and life changing.
“There are not enough cornea donations to help those waiting for a life-changing transplant. Please consider leaving an amazing legacy of the gift of sight by agreeing to donate your corneas. Join the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family.”
To find out more, and to register your organ and tissue donation decision, visit: organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 or use the NHS app.