MORE than 5,700 Canberrans hit the pavement this morning for the 10th annual Gift of Life’s DonateLife Walk around Lake Burley Griffin.

The Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove launched the event alongside Federal Minister for Rural Health Fiona Nash and ACT Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris.

Walkers from all over Canberra, including schools, universities, government departments and business participated to help raise awareness of organ and tissue donation.

Gift of Life President, David O’Leary, says he is very grateful to those who participated in this year’s event.

“Seeing a record number of participants flood the paths of Lake Burley Griffin this morning was really special. We hope everyone who participated will sign on to the Australian Organ Donor Register and have a chat with their loved ones about theirdonation decision,” David said.

“Australia’s donation and transplantation activity reached its highest level in 2015 with 435 deceased organ donors and 1,241 successful transplant recipients. This represents a 76 per cent increase in deceased organ donors and a 55 per cent increase in transplant recipients since Australia’s national reform program was introduced in 2009. While this is great news for organ and tissue donation there’s still much more work to be done to raise awareness with around 1,600 Australians on official transplant waiting lists at any one time.

“Canberrans are amongst the best in the country when it comes to organ and tissue donation outcomes, and that was evident today with Australia’s leaders and the Canberra community walking together to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.”

You can register to become an organ and tissue donor at donatelife.gov.au

[Photos by Kate Meikle]