Leading article: Heart lifting

The tale of Matthew Green is an inspiring one. The 40-year-old has been given an artificial heart by Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. This is the first time a British person has benefited from this medical technology.

Patients often talk of receiving a new lease of life. In the case of Mr Green, who would have died without this device, it is literally true. But uplifting as the story is, the fact remains that, if Mr Green is to stage a proper recovery, he needs a heart transplant. And there is still a chronic shortage of supply.

Medical technology, as we have seen, can achieve wonders. But, in this end, the basic human compassion that inspires someone to carry a donor card is even more important.