An Post has issued a special stamp to highlight the importance of organ donation.

It is part of a campaign between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and An Post.

One of Ireland's longest surviving heart donor recipients, An Post staff member Andy Kavanagh and double lung transplant recipient David Crosby, were at Dublin's GPO to launch the special stamp on Thursday.

Mr Crosby is also preparing to run his third full marathon in honour of his donor.

Ahead of Organ Donation Awareness Week, it is hoped the 'Organ Donors Save Lives' stamp will raise awareness of organ donation - with donor cards also available in every post office.

An Post and the HSE's Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI) is asking the Irish public to talk with family about organ donor.

"Talking to family about being an organ donor is the most important step in ensuring your wish can happen", they said.

"Carrying an organ donor card is another clear sign, as is having this information included on your driver's licence."

The new organ donation stamp | Image: An Post

Speaking at the GPO, managing director of An Post Retail Debbie Byrne said: "The new organ donation stamp will help raise public awareness by delivering a simple but a key message to customers sending and receiving mail - 'Be An Organ Donor, Save Lives'.

"An Post wants to spark a national conversation in Ireland's post offices, kitchens, cars, playgrounds and wherever families are gathering.

"We want staff and customers to have that chat about their wishes for donation. And we invite everyone to pick up a donor card at their local post office."

Professor Jim Egan, director of the HSE's ODTI, added: "I'd like to thank An Post for the creation of this special stamp.

"It will create more public awareness about organ donation.

"It is only because of the generosity of the Irish public that patients can receive the life-saving treatment of an organ transplant."

Designed by Zero-G, the stamp and first day cover feature an hourglass timer - to represent the nature of time and the gift of life passing from one person to another through organ donation.

When the stamp is scanned by a smart device with the Cee App installed, users are redirected to the HSE organ donation web page.