New South Wales Blues coach Brad Fittler wants people to get online and register their organ and tissue donation wishes as part of this year’s Jersey Day, which aims to raise awareness of the issue.
With organ & tissue donation wishes no longer included on driver licences, individuals need to register their wishes at donatelife.gov.au.
Having made the mistake of incorrectly assuming he was registered as a donor in the past, Fittler is encouraging others to follow his lead in getting online to ensure they are registered to donate.
“It’s important you jump online and make sure everything is correct. It’s quick and simple to do,” Fittler said.
“Previously I had the assumption that if you ticked the right box on your licence then you were a donor, but that’s not right.
It only takes a couple of minutes to register and there’s a lot of people sitting there needing things, and so many of us can give.
Brad Fittler
“So it’s something you can do on Jersey Day in addition to wearing your favourite jersey.”
Fittler, who is a long-time supporter of the cause, will once again don his favourite jersey as part of the annual event.
“I would wear a footy jersey everyday if I could!” Fittler said.
“I get the kids involved, the kids always do it at school.
"I’ll have some workers over at my house landscaping too, so I’ll be sure they wear their jerseys that day as well."
One of the drivers behind Jersey Day, Richard Gremmo, said in addition to registering online, it is vital those who wish to donate also discuss it with their family.
“Whether you are registered to become an organ and tissue donor or not, ultimately your next of kin will decide whether your wishes will be honoured, should the worst happen and you are in a position to become an organ & tissue donor,” Gremmo said.
“So you need to register your wishes and have the discussion with your family.”