The number of transplants is set to rise steeply in the next decade

The NHS Organ Donor Register is a national, confidential list of people who are willing to become donors after their death.

The appeal comes as the NHS revealed the number of people waiting for a transplant has increased by more than a third in the past 10 years.

In the South East nearly 700 people are waiting for an new organ, the majority of who need a new kidney.

Reluctance to donate

Chris Rudge, NHS UK transplant medical director, said: "Organ and tissue transplants are highly successful and medical advances mean more people are able to benefit from a transplant than ever before."

Health experts have said they predict a steep rise in the number of people needing a transplant in the next decade because of an ageing population and increase in conditions such as diabetes which can result in kidney failure.

Mr Rudge said many people who are registered for donation do not tell their close family of their wishes which could result in a reluctance to donate.

He urged people to discuss their wishes with their families to prevent this happening.

People can contact the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400.