THIRTY-SIX thousand balloons were being released into the skies over Britain today - each one representing an organ transplant operation which has taken place over past 25 years.

The balloon release, marking the launch of National Transplant Week, is aimed at highlighting the desperate shortage of organ donors in this country.

The donor card scheme was launched a quarter of a century ago following successful transplant operations. Here in East Lancashire a businessman and a teenager are living proof of the major advances made in the transplant field. Mick Kenlock, 50, received a new heart three years ago after being given just six months to live. Mick, who runs Darwen-based Kenley Warehousing and Distribution, suffered a number of heart attacks which left him housebound. He was put on the transplant list and was given his new heart in a three-hour operation at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Three years on, Mick is back at the helm of his haulage business, has returned to the stage as a guitarist in a cabaret duo in the town and enjoys a regular round of golf.

Blackburn teenager Robert Daly is enjoying life back in the fast lane after undergoing a double lung swap less than two months ago.

Robert, 14, of Arran Avenue, who suffered from cystic fibrosis, was given the transplant at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The surgery has changed his life and he can now play football with his friends and follow his favourite soccer team, Liverpool. Robert said: "I'm doing fine now. I feel miles better than before."

His godfather Les Smalley said: "Since the transplant Robert has been living life at 190 miles an hour.

"He really hasn't looked back and acts like any other healthy teenager. Robert has started private tuition again and is just thinking football, football and more football.

"It really is great to see the change in him, although I do spare a thought for the parents of the child who died so Robert could live.

"It must take someone with tremendous courage and a lot of care to allow their child's organs to be donated at a time of tragedy to themselves."

Les, a Rishton-based newsagent, said a reform in the donor system should be made at a national level to help reduce the burden on grieving relatives.

He said: "A system where people have to opt out before their death is much more suitable. "If a patient or family has very strong feelings then they don't have to go ahead. It must be devastating for relatives of someone who has been killed to then be asked if their organs can be taken away. Most people would say with hindsight that they would agree to give them up later but at the time its not that easy a decision to make."

Robert's brother John, who is 12, also suffers from cystic fibrosis and is on the provisional transplant list.

Les said: "John is doing all right at the moment but he will probably eventually need a transplant."

MPs, sports stars and actors have joined the stampede to encourage people to carry donor cards and the scheme has received the backing nationally of the Rotary Clubs of Great Britain. In East Lancashire, the Darwen, Great Harwood and Rishton and Colne clubs amongst others have joined in National Transplant Week, which is organised by the group Transplants In Mind.

Twenty-five charities nationwide make up Time and are pleased with the participation of Rotary Clubs.

The Rev Geoff Tolley, president of Darwen Rotary, said: "We will be distributing donor cards in the coming weeks.

"We are pleased to be able to support this scheme, which is very important in making people more aware of what they must do if they want to donate their organs to others after their death."

Tony Taylor, president of Colne Rotary, said: "I am supporting the efforts to get people on to a transplant register and to encourage them to carry a donor cards."

Jim Nuttall, of Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary, said: "The members had no qualms in supporting such a beneficial cause."

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