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More than 150 people gathered at Victoria Park Lake yesterday to raise awareness of tissue and organ donation.

The DonateLife Walk was the start of DonateLife Week in the Goulburn Valley.

The Shepparton walk focused on the need for organ and tissue donation and encouraged people to discuss their donation wishes with their families.

The issue is especially targeted at young adults aged from 18 to 29, who find the topic difficult to discuss with their families.

Donated organ recipients Racquel Watt, who had a liver transplant, and David Biram, who had a single-lung transplant, cut a ribbon to open the walk.

Children, mums, dads, schoolkids and grandparents walked one lap around the lake as rock band Mother Dearest performed.

Goulburn Valley Health senior nurse for organ and tissue donation Carolyn Hargreaves said 96 per cent of people wanted to donate, but only 50 per cent actually knew what their loved ones wanted.

She said one person who donated organs and tissue could save up to nine lives.

‘‘Today is about sending the message out to know what your loved ones want. We want people to go home tonight, sit down with their families and have a discussion.

‘‘Imagine what we could do if we had more donations.’’

Melbourne woman Leteischa Urwin, 43, said she had discussed organ donation with her two sons, aged 19 and 21, because it was important for the family to be informed of their choices.

‘‘When I don’t need it, you can have it,’’ Mrs Urwin said.

‘‘We spoke about whether I was going to be buried or cremated and what will happen to my organs once I die. It’s pretty simple.’’

Goulburn Valley Health chief executive Kerryn Healy said it was important for families to have the conversation about organ and tissue donation.

‘‘You never know when you or your family will need a donation,’’ Ms Healy said.

‘‘Events like this increase the awareness. GV Health is pleased to be involved with senior staff taking part in the walk.’’

Participants received a showbag containing organ and tissue donation information and registration forms.

After the walk, Ms Watt and Mr Biram spoke to the crowd about their personal experiences.

Ms Watt’s story was entered into the DonateLife Book of Life, along with hundreds of other stories. The book will be distributed across the country.

DonateLife Week is from Sunday, February 19 to Sunday, February 26. For more information on organ and tissue donation, visit www.donatelife.gov.au