FIONA Wilkinson is playing a key role in ensuring more people are given an opportunity to leave a life-saving legacy.

She is one of 21 nurses throughout the country who have taken up the role of donor liaison sister.

The leading nurse is helping to inform doctors and nurses of the importance of organ transplants, attempting to increase the number of donors and assisting in the task of approaching families.

There are currently more than 5,500 people waiting for kidney, heart, pancreas, lung or liver transplants. More than 2,700 transplants are carried out in the UK each year.

In Britain last year, nearly 400 people died while waiting for a transplant.

One in ten people waiting for a heart transplant will die and many more will lose their fight for life before they get on the waiting list, according to UK Transplant.

Fiona, who works in the Royal Bolton Hospital's intensive care unit, said: "Our first priority is always to try to save a patient's life. If, despite our best efforts, the patient dies, then organ donation will be considered and a different team of doctors would be called in."

To be a donor, you need to let your family and close friends know your wishes -- preferably before you fall ill -- and to join the register.

To become a donor, call 0845 60 60 400 or you can enrole on-line at www.transplant.org.uk