Home And Away's Anneliese Apps and Orpheus Pledger raise awareness of organ donation

Home And Away: Young stars’ desperate plea

Actors Anneliese Apps and Orpheus Pledger want Australians to talk about organ donation.

It’s the heartbreaking Home And Away storyline that has viewers around the nation reaching for their tissues.

The show’s stars Anneliese Apps and Orpheus Pledger admit they feel ‘honoured’ to share the beautiful love story of Beth and Mason, but are hoping their story will have a wider, more lasting effect.

‘There are 1400 Australians who are in need of organ donation at any one time,’ Anneliese tells New Idea.

This week, Beth is left fighting for her life while waiting for a heart transplant.

According to Orpheus, ‘the power of storytelling’ could change the number of organ donors in the country.

‘If we can set an example, then hopefully that can send a message to people,’ the actor explains.

‘It’s all about understanding it and making your mind up. ‘We’re not trying to force anything on anyone, we just want people to be aware and have all the facts.’

Both Anneliese and Orpheus say acting out the organ donation storyline has been ‘rewarding’, but at times ‘absolutely awful’.

‘By this point in filming, there was no acting, it took such a toll on me emotionally… I was so sad. It was a harrowing experience,’ Orpheus reveals.

Watch Home and Away Monday – Thursday at 7pm on Seven.

See more stories on Home and Away in this week’s issue of New Idea, on sale now.