Win a diamond and boost transplants and donors

Professor John Wallwork, leading heart transplant surgeon and chairman of the UK's largest organ donor charity, The Transplant Trust, stressed the need for Sussex people to register as donors to help provide a life saver for the growing number of people waiting for kidney, liver, cornea, skin and heart transplants.

Helping him present the trophy to the winner of the Transplants in Mind Handicap Stakes was Seb Telscombe (nine) of Telscombe, Sussex. His father died and his corneas and skin tissue were used for patients needing a transplant.

At the meeting were donor families, including Andrea and Bob Fisher of Ferring, who donated the kidneys and liver of their daughter, Victoria, to be used for transplant after she died. Transplant recipients were also there to tell their stories and support the trust.

The event was also the launch an exciting nationwide competition at the racemeeting to find the UK's Transplant Star. The person, or group, who raises the most money and has the most innovative ideas for doing so, will win a piece of jewellery made especially for them, with a stunning diamond worth over 2,500 as its centrepiece.

Named "The Transplant Star" the 0.50ct stone is sure to generate stiff competition amongst those trying to win it. The diamond has been donated by W E Clark and Son of Lewes, a jeweller to a number of celebrities in the South East.

John Wallwork, said: "This is all about raising awareness '“ and raising funds '“ and the Transplant Star will most certainly do just that. The funds will drive further research to help the thousands of people awaiting transplants and their carers '“ but will also encourage debate about the key issues behind transplantation."

The competition was launched on Donor Day South at Brighton Racecourse and will run until May 30 2009. The winner will be announced during National Transplant Week July 5 -12 2009.

Entry forms and the full rules and regulations for the competition can be found on the charity's website at www.thetransplanttrust.org.uk, or by writing to The Transplant Trust, 2nd Floor Albion House, Albion Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2NF