Challenges boost Liam's organ donation campaign

An organ donation campaigner, who has had two life-saving transplants, has set himself two challenges to further promote his cause.

Liam Byrne, of Bury St Edmunds, is writing personal letters to every MP in the country as well as local councillors, schools and businesses about the importance of organ donation.

The 30-year-old is asking them to respond with their opinions on the issue and, if they have signed the organ donation register, to post selfies of themselves with their donor cards.

I've witnessed so many people waiting for a transplant die due to the fact there are not enough organs - Liam Byrne

Liam, who has sent 300 letters, said: "I'm overwhelmed with the responses so far, especially from all sides of Parliament from every party.

"I'm still in the process of getting a letter to all of them. I've had some good responses from local councillors as well such as Patrick Chung."

Liam has received two life-saving liver transplants having lived with auto-immune hepatitis since the age of 11.

In another challenge, he has hidden red 'organ donation rocks' around the town for people to find, tag and share on Facebook and place them elsewhere for others to locate. He is also encouraging people to make their own rocks.

Liam wants to see the opt-out organ donation scheme introduced in England and a bill is making its way through Parliament.

He added: "I've witnessed so many people waiting for a transplant die due to the fact there are not enough organs."

Visit www.facebook.com/organdonationchallenge and use the hashtag #organdonationchallenge on Twitter and Instagram.