The family of 25-year-old footballer Jordan Sinnott, who was killed in a brutal attack on a night out, reveals how his tragic death resulted in seven lives being saved
The family of a footballer killed on a night out have backed a campaign to tackle a national crisis in organ donation.
NHS data shows 1,365 people in England died waiting for a transplant since the end of the last World Cup. During the same period the active transplant waiting list has surged by 23% to a record 8,300.
Kelly Bossons, 32, made the decision with family to donate the organs of fiancé Jordan Sinnott, a professional footballer for Matlock Town at the time, in the moments after he died in 2020 after being punched by two men after leaving a pub.
The family confirmed the donation could go ahead because the 25-year-old had signed the organ donation register before his death and this decision saved seven lives.
Kelly, from Mansfield, said: “After donation had gone ahead, we saw a helicopter leaving the hospital, heading to one of Jordan’s recipients, with the very organ that they needed to get better and it really brought it home just how much our decision would mean to somebody else.
“We later found out he saved seven lives – and helped others through donated tissue – which is just incredible that even after his death, he was able to give something so important to so many people. He’d have been very proud.”
England fans have been told “your country needs you” as part of a campaign by NHS Blood and Transplant backed by Jordan’s family. England is bottom of the UK league when it comes to donation, contributing to the UK transplant waiting list being at a record high of 8,300.
The reasons for the crisis are unclear but the Covid pandemic appears to have had a lasting impact on public attitudes towards the NHS, end-of-life care and consent decisions by bereaved families. Grieving relatives can still veto any donation in the crucial moments after death.
The proportion of the population registered to donate their organs in 2024/2025 was 57% for Northern Ireland, 54% for Scotland, 44% for Wales and just 40% for England
Kelly said: “I don’t think many people realise – we certainly didn’t – that there are only really specific circumstances in which you can donate. It’s just 1% of deaths. So when you are in that position to be able to help one of the thousands of people waiting, it really is something quite special. Donation can sound scary but as a donor family, you’re treated so well. We were treated with care and compassion.
“Football was Jordan’s life and I know he would be behind this message asking people to take two minutes out of their day during this World Cup season to do something he himself had done a number of times and confirm your donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It makes a difficult time and a difficult choice so much easier for your loved ones and of course, can save up to nine lives.”
The active transplant list has increased from 6,736 to 8,296 since the last World Cup at the same time as increasing demand from our ageing population.
The Mirror successfully campaigned for a law change to “deemed consent” in England from 2020 but donation will only go ahead when families support it doing so. All four UK nations now have an opt-out system.
Families will agree to donation around 90% of the time when their loved one has confirmed their intention to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This figure drops to around 50% when a decision is unknown.
Kelly added: “Choosing to donate Jordan’s organs just made sense. He’d confirmed his organ donation decision on the register a few times throughout his life, which made the decision easy for us but it also seemed a waste if we didn’t do it, knowing that he could save a life.”
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) insists it is just as vital as ever that people sign the Organ Donor Register to make their wishes clear, in case the worst happens.
Anthony Clarkson, NHSBT director, said: “Your country needs you both on and off the pitch this summer. While we’re all cheering on the Three Lions and hoping they bring it home, there is another way we can all support England – and get us to the top of a table – and that’s by confirming your donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
“The fact that almost 1,400 people have died while waiting for an organ transplant since the end of the last World Cup, less than four years ago and that over 16,000 people have been added to the transplant waiting list, is a travesty. If we all come together as a team, we can work towards the goal of more people getting the transplant they so desperately need.
“So, come on England – as you enjoy the World Cup this Summer, take two minutes before or after a game, or during half time, to search NHS Organ Donor Register and confirm your decision.
“Doing just that could save up to nine lives – that’s almost a full starting 11 of people whose lives could be saved because of that one decision you make now.”
To find out more and to register an organ donation decision call 0300 123 23, visit organdonation.nhs.uk or use the NHS app.