Gisborough Hall in North Yorkshire turned its historic building pink during Organ Donation Week, joining organisations across the UK in raising awareness of organ and tissue donation.
The campaign, which ran from 21–27 September, saw councils, businesses, hospitals and community groups illuminate buildings in pink to encourage people to consider organ donation and record their wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Gisborough Hall’s participation forms part of its wider involvement in local community initiatives. The hotel also regularly works with NHS Blood and Transplant, providing its Ballroom as a venue for blood donation sessions throughout the year.
Further blood donation sessions are already scheduled at the hotel over the coming months, giving local residents the opportunity to donate in a community setting.
Ruairidh Taylor, Hotel Manager at Gisborough Hall, said the hotel wanted to use its position within the local community to support initiatives that could have a wider impact.
“Turning Gisborough Hall pink is a simple but meaningful way of encouraging people to stop and think about organ donation and the incredible difference it can make to someone else’s life,” he said.
The hotel’s support comes as NHS Blood and Transplant continues to encourage people to make and record decisions about organ donation. According to the organisation, more than 400 people died last year while waiting for a transplant.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, welcomed Gisborough Hall’s involvement in the campaign, saying the support came at a time when demand for transplants remains high.
One organ donor can potentially save up to nine lives, while donated tissue can benefit many more people.
People can record their organ donation decision through the NHS Organ Donor Register or, in England and Wales, via the NHS App.
