Chesterfield FC is kicking off a life-saving campaign at its final home game of the season against Notts County by urging supporters to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR). The appeal, backed by The Football League, coincides with the 40^th anniversary of the UK's first heart transplant which took place on 3 May, 1968.

Chesterfield FC is one of 48 Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs highlighting the importance of the ODR to supporters at the final home game of the season.  The Spireites take on Notts County this weekend

Supporters will be able to join the ODR during the game by texting the word 'GIVE' to 84118 from their mobile phone (standard text rates apply). The aim is to boost the number of people signing up to the ODR, a confidential database of over 15.1 million people who have pledged to help give the gift of life to others after their own death.

Over 9,000 people currently need a transplant to save or dramatically improve their lives. More than 3,000 transplants were carried out last year, but around 1,000 people die every year before receiving the transplant they need.  If more people joined the ODR, more lives could be saved.

Chesterfield  Chairman  Barrie Hubbard commented: "We are delighted to show our support for this vital cause. I am sure many of our supporters will take this opportunity to join the ODR and send a message of hope to the thousands of people waiting for an organ transplant."

Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League, said: "I believe that our game can play a significant part in delivering new registrations to the NHS Organ Donor Register. Through The Football League club network, we have the power to reach out together to supporters across the country with a powerful and compelling case for their support.

"I am pleased to support this worthwhile initiative and invite all our member clubs to help to make a positive difference to the lives of literally thousands of people across the UK. Football has a unique part to play in making this happen."

Tamsin May, UK Transplant's Marketing and Campaigns Manager, said: "We welcome Chesterfield's support in helping to spread the message that transplants save thousands of lives every year thanks to the generosity of individual organ donors and their families.

"For clubs involved in promotion or relegation battles, I know it will be a tense time for supporters - but hope they will still be able to think about the literally life-and-death issue of organ donation."

As well as texting, fans can also join the ODR by visiting www.uktransplant.org.uk or phoning the 24-hour Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400.