University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) and Derbyshire County Cricket Club have come together to create a special training top for the players to wear at their upcoming fixtures to raise awareness of Organ Donation.
The striking pink jerseys, manufactured by Derbyshire’s kit supplier, SAMURAI, will be worn during Organ Donation Week, which runs from 26 September to 2 October and encourages more people to have the important conversations about their wishes regarding organ donation.
The unique training jerseys, which incorporate the Organ Donation heart, branding and bold pink colour, will be worn by the cricketers while warming up for their home fixture at The Incora County Ground against Leicestershire, starting on Monday 26 September.
Last year, UHDB helped to facilitate 12 of organ transplants which helped to improve or save the lives of people living with serious conditions. However, across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, there are still 7,000 people waiting on a viable organ to be donated.
Dr James Crampton, Interim Executive Medical Director and Chair of the Organ Donation Committee at UHDB, said: “Getting the message out there about the importance of talking about organ donation is so important, so these eye-catching jerseys will certainly help to provoke those conversations.
“Organ donation can change or even save someone’s life, so we’re incredibly thankful to everyone at the club and Samurai for working with us to create these beautifully bold shirts – you certainly can’t miss them!”
The jerseys, which also carry the Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity logo, will be put to a blind auction with supporters and sponsors having the chance to bid, with all proceeds being donated back to the Charity.
Jimmy Drew, Commercial Manager at Derbyshire County Cricket Club said: “It’s been great to work with UHDB on this project, and when they first approached us a few months back we were keen to do all we could to help raise awareness of Organ Donation Week. A big thank-you must go to SAMURAI for designing the training jerseys, and we can’t wait to see our first team squad wearing them for our final LV= County Championship game of the season, which coincides with the start of Organ Donation Week on Monday 26 September.
“It’s hoped that through the publicity the jerseys will gain, both at the game and through our social media channels, they will be much sought after when it comes to opening the bidding for supporters, raising valuable funds for the great work the Charity carries out.”
UHDB is now asking people across the area to tell their families that they want to donate after their death to ensure more lives are saved.
To find out more and register your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donor Register and share your decision with your family. Users of the NHS app, can also use this to record, check or amend their details or decision.
Visit the NHS Organ Donor Register website.
The deadline for bidding on shirts has now passed. The highest bidders will be contacted week commencing Monday 3 October.
