Wigan and Leigh town halls will turn pink to encourage people to speak about organ donation
Organ Donation Week runs from Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27.
Two of the borough’s most prominent buildings will turn pink to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
Both Wigan and Leigh town halls will be lit with pink lights on Tuesday as part of Organ Donation Week, which starts on Monday.
NHS Blood and Transplant wants local landmarks and buildings across the country to turn pink in memory of more than 400 people who died last year while waiting for an organ transplant, and to encourage people to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Wigan Council agreed to support the campaign after being approached by 44-year-old Natalie Kerr, who had a double lung transplant 14 years ago.
The mum of two became seriously ill with pulmonary hypertension after the birth of her daughter Isabelle in 2008 and was put on the transplant list as her health deteriorated.
She said: “I have been able to watch my children grow up. I wouldn’t be here without my donor. I was running out of time very quickly. I am so grateful that she donated her lungs and kept me with my children.”
Natalie, who lives in Adlington, retired from her job as a nurse after the transplant and is now a dedicated campaigner for organ donation.
Last year Rivington Pike was turned pink and while that is not being repeated this year, Pigeon Tower and the Italian lake at Rivington will still be lit and she is organising a walk there on Wednesday, when people will be asked to wear pink.
She has also arranged for the clock tower at Chorley Town Hall to be lit pink on Monday and Blackpool Tower on Sunday, September 27.
Natalie hopes the pink lights will encourage people to discuss organ donation and what they would like to happen when they die.
She said: “I am encouraging families to share their wishes so should the time come, they have had that conversation.
“In reality, the chances are you are more likely to need an organ than to donate one.”
Find out more about organ donation and register your wishes at www.organdonation.nhs.uk.