AN Islander whose life was saved by a heart transplant is calling on people to join the organ donation register this Valentine’s Day.

Catherine MacLachlan was 15 and a student at Jersey College for Girls when, out of the blue, she was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and within weeks was told she had just hours left to live.

However, after a donor heart became available she underwent a transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital which ultimately saved her life.

Today, on the first anniversary of the launch of her campaign – the Love Hearts Appeal – that has so far raised £103,000 to fund facilities at the Heart and Lung Centre at GOSH, she has told in her own words why people should consider being organ donors.

• See today’s JEP for the full story

• For more information about the Love Hearts Appeal: Click here

• To sign up to the register and for more information: Click here