Football legend Andy Cole brands Mirror organ donor campaign victory 'fantastic'

Football legend Andy Cole has hailed the Mirror’s organ donor campaign victory as “fantastic” news for transplant patients.

The former Manchester United star, 47, joined our crusade after receiving a kidney from nephew Alexander Palmer, 30, when a virus left him on dialysis.

Both joined our House of Commons reception before MPs voted on the Private Members’ Bill last year.

And he was delighted it cleared the final hurdle in the Lords on Friday. “It is brilliant news, fantastic,” he said. “I am so glad it passed.”

The law is due to come into force next year and will mean everyone is presumed to be an organ donor unless they opt out.

Experts believe it will lead to an extra 280 donors a year.

The change is named Max and Keira’s Law after our poster boy Max Johnson, 11, and his heart donor Keira Ball, nine, who died in a road accident.

Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price described the Lords backing as “brilliant news”, adding: “The Daily Mirror should be very proud.”

The politician was inspired by Pat Carroll, who lives in her constituency in Thurrock, Essex. Pat’s daughter Natalie died, aged 38, before a kidney and pancreas transplant could save her.

Selfless Pat, 66, later donated a kidney to dialysis patient Joe Carmona, 23.

She said: “The new law is such good news. Now the hard work starts, getting people to talk about donation.”