12 January 2023 , 00:01
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NHS chiefs have made an urgent call for more organ donors from ethnic minorities.
There is a large number of black or Asian people in need of transplants, but a low percentage on the donor list.
Last year people of Asian heritage represented 3% of deceased donors, but 18% of those on the NHS transplant waiting list.
Those of black heritage represented 2% of deceased donors but 10% of those on the waiting list.
Making an appeal for in England and Wales Winnie Andango, lead nurse for equality with organ donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “There remains an urgent need for people of black and Asian heritage to discuss and share their support for organ donation.”
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Maham donated her liver and kidneys, as well as her corneas and bones (NHS Blood and Transplant)
Maham's mum Nazia praised her daughter for saving "so many lives" (NHS Blood and Transplant)There were 1,967 from ethnic minorities on the waiting list last year.
Belinda Otas, 43, of London, is waiting for a kidney transplant.
She said: “Living on dialysis is like living in limbo, it defines your whole life.”
Maham Majeed of Bury in Greater Manchester was 21 when she died in 2021. Her organs were donated.
Keira Ball lost her life aged nine (SWNS)
Keira donated her heart to save Max Johnson (Andy Stenning for Daily Mirror)Maham’s mum Nazia, a teacher, said: “Maham was a compassionate human being who would help anyone.”
Max and Keira’s Law was named in honour of Max Johnson, 15, and his heart donor Keira Ball, who lost her life aged nine, of the Mirror-backed Max and Keira’s Law.
Officially adopted in 2021 in England after a Mirror campaign, it means adults are classed as having agreed to be a donor unless they opt out of the system.
Although there are exceptions.
Visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.