A Paisley nurse who had a heart transplant last year has urged people to think about becoming organ donors.

Figures have revealed that over one in five (22%) people have not decided whether they will become organ donors when the new “opt out” law comes into effect on March 26 next year.

Caroline Carlin, a former community nurse, is encouraging people to discuss the issue with their families.

She said: “Donation is a personal decision, but regardless of what people decide, I hope they are having the conversation with their families about what they would like to happen if they’re ever in that position. These conversations can save lives.”

Caroline underwent a heart transplant last year after she suffered a serious heart attack which resulted in heart failure. She said:

“By the time I was admitted to hospital, I was severely unwell. In two years, I had gone from running about for my job every day to being too tired to even stand most of the time.

"I was always breathless and had no energy. The simplest tasks, like taking a shower, were like climbing a mountain and could take hours. I was always prepared to stay in the hospital and had my case in the car on the day they told me they’d be keeping me in.

“I had always felt strongly about organ donation but never thought I’d be in the position to need a transplant myself. Donation is a personal decision, but regardless of what people decide, I hope they are having the conversation with their families about what they would like to happen if they’re ever in that position. It can be difficult to talk about, but these conversations can save lives and allow families to stay together, like mine has.”

“I’m feeling very optimistic. Now I’ve been given this second chance, I know I’m going to make the most of it. I’ve become friends with other heart transplant patients who have gone on to live long, healthy and happy lives. Like them, I feel so lucky, so blessed, and forever grateful to my donor for giving me a future with my family.”