THERE are 10,000 reasons why the Evening Times wants to thank Kidney Research UK.

Since our campaign for an opt-out system of organ donation was launched in November last year, the Scottish wing of the charity has been with us every step of the way.

Headed by regional fundraiser Liz McGuinness, the charity's army of dedicated volunteers have been promoting our petition across the Central Belt.

Kidney patients, relatives, doctors, nurses and the public have been encouraged to pledge their support in hospitals, GP surgeries, shops, restaurants, businesses and at charity events.

The charity has helped us enlist the support of top businesses such as Body Shop, Sainsbury's and WHSmith.

With their help we have reached our 10,000 petition target, with months to go before it is presented to Holyrood.

The charity backs an opt-out transplant policy – where everyone is considered a donor – alongside other major charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the National Kidney Federation. They believe changing the law is the best way to address the shortages of organs for transplant and help end the misery of dialysis for thousands of patients.

Around 90% of people waiting for an organ need a kidney, around 7000 people in the UK.

Currently, only one in four people get the kidney transplant they need – 3000 people die on dialysis and 300 die while waiting for a transplant.

Tony Carlin, editor of the Evening Times, said: "Our Opt For Life campaign has enjoyed great support over recent months.

"However, the backing of the team from Kidney Research UK has been exceptional.

"The efforts of all the team, in particular fundraising manager Liz McGuinness, has ensured we reached our target earlier than expected.

"Kidney Research UK gave us that support because they, better than most, know the consequences of Scotland having access to too few organs for donation.

"They know the difference a change in legislation to presumed consent or opt-out on donation will make to so many lives.

"We are grateful to all at Kidney Research UK who gave us their backing and I hope that together we can persuade the Scottish Government to change the law and save and transform more lives."

Kidney Research UK was founded in 1961 and is the leading UK charity dedicated to funding research aimed at finding better treatments, and, ultimately, a cure for kidney disease.

The charity awards grants to kidney patients so they can cope with the unexpected costs of their condition.

It also works to raise awareness and campaigns for better patient access to renal services.

Every year, about 50,000 people in the UK require treatment for kidney failure.

This number is set to increase as the population ages, placing greater strain on the system. The charity has won the backing of celebrity ambassadors and patrons, including TV newsreader Nicholas Owen, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2002 and has since recovered.

Professor Tim Goodship is chairman of Kidney Research UK and carries out research on behalf of the charity.

He said: "We are in favour of anything that can increase the donation rate to give as many patients as possible access to a transplant.

WE also champion helping increase the number of live donors.

"The quality of life for someone given a transplant is infinitely better than on dialysis.

"It is a heavy burden for patients and their families and it's amazing how well most people cope."

Liz got involved in the charity after witnessing a family friend suffer kidney failure. She helps raise vital funds in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England.

She has supported hundreds of patients and their families through kidney disease, dialysis, transplants and bereavement. Many have become friends.

Next month, Liz and 29 volunteers will walk the West Highland Way, aiming to raise more than £100,000 for the charity and promoting the petition along the 96-mile route.

She said: "I love working for the charity as I know it makes a difference to people's lives, gives them hope and a better quality of life.

"With more funding into research they can plan for a better future."

For information about the charity see: www.kidneyresearchuk.org

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk