A HEARTFELT plea for more people to become organ donors has been made by two people who know better than most the agonising wait for a transplant.

Daniel Jewell, 22, and Lisa Place, 19, made the appeal for people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) before the kick off at AFC Bournemouth's match with Southend United on Saturday, backed by the Bournemouth players.

Daniel, from Broadstone, underwent a life-changing kidney transplant operation two years ago, and Lisa, from Moordown, has been waiting for a kidney for the last 15 months.

Lisa, a nursing home kitchen assistant, said: "I just feel tired and lethargic all the time and quite weak. I'm on dialysis three times a week and I don't go out with my friends much any more."

For her a transplant would transform her life.

"It would make such a difference," she said. "It would just give me my life back."

Daniel, a senior customer adviser for Barclays Bank, had a successful kidney transplant two years ago.

"I'm so grateful to the anonymous donor," he said. "Having the transplantation has changed my life."

Daniel was diagnosed with a life-threatening kidney disease just before his 18th birthday and waited for 18 months before having the surgery.

He added: "Having the new kidney has given me a fresh lease of life.

"That's why it's extremely important for more people to register for organ donation. You never know when it's going to be needed and you could help save a life."

The appeal is part of a major drive by UK Transplant, backed by Debbie and John Stoner, of Somerford, who faced the agonising decision to donate their daughter Jade's organs after she died following a road accident near home.

l There are 69 people in the Bournemouth area in need of an organ transplant.

Since April last year 26 patients have had transplant operations. A further 23 had their sight restored thanks to donors.