A MOTHER whose young daughter's organs helped save the lives of four sick people has backed government plans to change the current organ donation system.

Debbie and John Stoner from Somerford were faced with the difficult decision of whether to donate seven-year-old Jade's organs after she was hit by a car, while playing outside on her bike, in September 2006.

Debbie told us: "The decision to donate Jade's organs was the hardest we have ever had to make and it will always be such an emotional issue, but we will never ever regret it because we know that our little girl lives on through her recipients."

"I am definitely supporting these proposals for an opt out system. I think it is a very good idea. It is tragic that so many people on the waiting list are dying.

"Our family fully support this idea and if we can make a change and raise people's awareness about the shortage of organs then Jade's life will not have been in vain."

As the shortage of lifesaving organ donations becomes even more severe, calls have been made to revolutionise the donation system.

Gordon Brown has backed Britain's chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson's suggestions to introduce a new system of "presumed consent".

More commonly known as the "opt out system" it would mean everyone in Britain would be presumed a donor unless they specifically opted out or their family had strong objections.

In a statement posted on their website, UK Transplant said: "We welcome any debate that raises the value and importance of transplantation and increases the general public's knowledge of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

"The important issue is that people discuss their desire to donate organs so that close family members and friends are aware of their wishes."

But Christchurch MP Chris Chope said: "My view is that this "opt-out system" is not a proper form of consent. I do not see that the case is strong enough to move away from the existing positive consent system we already have in place. It is a very dangerous area.

"My concern is what will happen if they have opted out and their request has not been registered properly. It sparks the idea of a state-owned body."

To join the organ donation register go to uktransplant.org.uk or telephone 0845 60 60 400.