The NHS Organ Donor Register is launched in October 1994, following a five-year campaign by John and Rosemary Cox from the West Midlands. In 1989 their 24-year-old son Peter died of a brain tumour. He had asked for his organs to be used to help others. The Coxes said there should be a register for people who wish to donate their organs. By 2005 more than 12 million have registered. Organ donation is needed as demand outstrips supply and this register ensures that when a person dies they can be identified as someone who's chosen to donate their organs.
