Organ Donation with a difference

An unusual collection has recently gone on display as part of the Hospital Arts Project at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) to raise awareness of organ donation.

The exhibit consists of 24 small vinyl figures which are collectively known as “The Organ Donors”. Each model has individual characteristics and a name of its own and represents one of 9 transplantable organs or tissues.

The dolls have been donated to the Hospital Arts Project by the Hospital Organ Donation Committee and are the creation of New York based artist David Foox. The vinyl toy project stemmed from his experience of having a close family member who required a double lung transplant due to Cystic Fibrosis. He was so inspired by the donation of the organs that allowed his relative to receive the transplant which saved his life, that he decided to create an entire series of figures that would raise awareness of organ donation.

Quoted as being “one of the most prolific and eclectic artists of the past few years” Mr Foox is delighted to have his work on display within the hospital and has given his permission for the characters to also be featured on promotional materials and used in any way possible to contribute to the hospitals ongoing support of the organ donation message.

Marie Garside (on behalf of the Organ Donation Committee) “We are enormously grateful to David Foox for his support and we’re also delighted with the exhibit. Although aware that the figures may not be to everybody’s taste, we are positive that they will promote interest and discussion and our overall objective is to encourage people to speak openly about organ donation.”

“Organ donation is the single most important decision we can make in our lives simply because it means saving many other people when you no longer need your body,” says David Foox artist and creator of ORGAN DONORS. David was inspired by his uncle's double lung transplant and transformed that inspiration into a visual and tactile reminder that everyone should support organ donation. Organ donation saves lives.

There are currently 10,000 individuals in the UK awaiting a life-saving or life changing organ transplant and three of these people die every day on the waiting list. Many of these needless deaths could be prevented if more people register their wish to donate organs in the event of their death and ensure that their close relatives are aware of and will support this wish. Currently only 30% of the population are registered as donors although many more carry donor cards and more still simply have not got round to it, despite having good intentions.

To join the Organ Donation Register telephone 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

To find out more about David Foox visit www.foox-u.com