BODY is a registered national charity with the following aims as stated in the Society Rules:
The objects of the Society are to relieve sickness and protect health by
BODY has a core membership of families wishing to actively support the above aims or to keep in friendly contact with other involved families. Otherwise the Society is a non member organisation, approaches usually being for 'needs of the moment'.
Naturally things have moved on since the Rules were written when the Society was formed in January 1984. The original cardboard kidney donor card is now a plastic, credit size, multi-organ donor registration card issued when one obtains a leaflet to register on the National Organ Donor Register.
As well as donor and recipient families BODY is often contacted by individuals or families of those waiting for a transplant (potential recipients) and those waiting to be assessed for suitability to go on the transplant waiting list. Requests are usually for information, emotional support or to find other groups and organisations. Sometimes there is a problem. At other times the need is for friendly understanding and occasionally to actively support the Society's aims.
Many requests for information are received from the public, media and health professionals. It is pleasing when enquiries are received from School and College students and staff. BODY is pleased to provide speakers and/or manned display stands.
In January 1986 the Commemorative Family Tree Scheme was launched with the dedication of the West Avenue of 76 lime trees in Wimpole Park. From 1987 donor and recipient families were able to adopt individual trees in the Park. Each year, starting in 1987, there has been a Transplant Commemorative and Thanksgiving Service and Tree Ceremony for involved families, guests and health professionals. This event is incorporated into the annual residential Gathering
Based on the many enquiries for information and because of the lack of suitable reference sources BODY is publishing a series of "The Gift of Life" booklets.
A natural extension of Society activities was the development in 1991 of a one day Roadshow version of the Convention for health professionals. This preceeded a new venture the BODY Educational Roadshow. This is being replaced by a new educational initiative. Please email or phone BODY for further information and to tell us your suggestions for suitable content.
The above is an overview of the activities of the British Organ Donor Society. BODY can be contacted as listed below.