Thanks to the support of Burrows Ethical and Medical, who provide logistical road support for the transplant and donation team, and Quay Garage in Kingsbridge and Suzuki, who have provided a year’s sponsorship, the team are now the proud owners of a Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The car will allow the team to travel with the equipment required to respond to a donation request as quickly and safely as possible. The Vitara is equipped with emergency response lights and recognisable because it is emblazoned with the logos of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, the South West Transplant Centre and the sponsors.

Rachel Stoddard-Murden, donor transplant co-ordinator team leader, said: “We are very grateful to Burrows Ethical and Medical, Quay Garage and Suzuki for providing us with this car. It will enable us to travel to the hospitals in the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset for organ donation and transplantation purposes.

“The progress the South West Transplant Centre has made in the last three years has meant we have been able to undertake a record number of kidney transplant operations for our patients.”

Paul Roberts, chief executive said: “Last year was the most successful year on record for the South West Transplant Centre team. 53 kidney transplants were carried out on patients from across the peninsula.

“I would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all the local businesses that have so generously supported the South West Transplant Centre in improving lives through donation and transplantation.”