The opt out organ donation law takes effect today with the prospect of 700 additional transplants being made each year by 2023.
The new law, which has been named Max and Keira’s Law, was inspired by two children – Max Johnson and Keira Ball.
Keira Ball passed away three days after being in a car accident near her home in Devon in July 2017 which left her with serious head injuries.
Motivated by her desire to help others, her family took the decision to allow her to become an organ donor.
Around the same time, Max Johnson, 10, was fighting for his life at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and was in desperate need of a heart transplant.
Luckily for Max, his parents received a phone call to say an organ had been found that was a match.
Max received Keria’s heart in a life-saving operation.
The primary school pupil campaigned for the new law after Keria’s organsed saved a total of four lives
The new law sees a shift to an opt-out system, whereby those aged 18 or over are deemed to have given their consent to have their organs donated, unless they explicitly state overwise.
Keria’s mum Loanna Ball, has said the new law will mean her daughter will outlive her.
She told BBC Radiod 5 Live’s Emma Barnett: “Kiera was just such a special child and what she’s done is just incredible.
“We’re blown away and she inspires me every single day.
