A GWENT man waiting for a heart transplant is urging more people to join the organ donor register, as the Welsh transplant waiting list reaches record numbers.

There are currently 501 people needing an organ transplant in Wales.

Stewart Rankin, 58, a father-of-two from Rogerstone, awating a heart transplant himself branded the situation "a disgrace" and is urging more people to make that life-saving decision.

Mr Rankin has lived with a failing heart for eight years and has been on the waiting list for a new heart for two years.

He has a genetic corrected transposition of the great arteries, meaning his heart is effectively the wrong way round, pumping blood to the wrong parts of the body.

Doctors estimate that without a transplant, he will not survive much longer than 15 months.

He said: "The longer people have to wait, the more despondent and depressed they get.

"It is difficult to retain optimism and hope for the future."

He believes a system of presumed consent is the best way to boost organ donation and was disgusted when Assembly members voted against such a system earlier this year.

But he is pleased that a new Donate Wales - Tell a Loved One campaign launched on May 13 is having a positive effect.

Since the campaign started 13,282 people have joined the register.

Mr Rankin thanked all those who have signed up, but says even more are needed.

"It is the gift of life," he said.

"It means we can all be heroes."

He now dedicates much of his time to the campaign to boost organ donation.

"It may be too late for me, but I can still try to make a difference for people in the future."

To join the Organ Donor Register either text GIVE to 64118, telephone 0845 6060400, or visit http://www.donatewales.org