Ethan’s Christmas wish came true, a life-saving kidney transplant thanks to public support
“I’ve never believed there’s a real divide between the one who gives and the one who receives. We’re all bound by the same thread of humanity, so whatever I offered to Ethan was already his in spirit.”
Angelina Ogden, Ethan’s Donor
A year ago, ACLT launched an urgent Christmas appeal asking the public to help grant four-year-old Ethan’s greatest wish, the gift of a life-saving kidney. Today, we are overjoyed to share that Ethan’s wish has been granted.
Following the appeal, over 30 members of the public contacted the ACLT, and came forward offering to be tested as potential living donors. Their generosity set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately transform Ethan’s future.
A life transformed on 3rd September 2025
On 3rd September 2025, Ethan (now 5 years old) received the kidney that changed his life forever through a pooled donation scheme. Pooled donation (also known as kidney paired donation) is used when a willing donor is compatible in blood group but not a strong enough tissue match to safely donate directly. Instead, two or more donor–recipient pairs are matched across a national pool: each donor gives a kidney to a stranger, and in return, their intended recipient receives a compatible kidney from another donor in the pool.
Among the volunteers who stepped forward was Angelina Ogden, who shared Ethan’s O blood type and was willing to donate on his behalf. Although her tissue match with Ethan was not strong enough to allow her to donate directly, Angelina’s willingness to enter the pooled donation system created the pathway that ultimately delivered Ethan’s perfect match.
A message from Angelina Ogden, Ethan’s donor
“I’ve never believed there’s a real divide between the one who gives and the one who receives. We’re all bound by the same thread of humanity, so whatever I offered to Ethan was already his in spirit. Even though he was a stranger, seeing his courage, strength and sheer will to live made my decision feel inevitable. He was a young boy full of resilience and light. Ethan changed me. He gave me a deeper gratitude for life, for hope, for love. And he showed me there is no true giver or receiver, only connection. In many ways, he is my hero.”
Ethan is now recovering well, full of energy, and finally able to experience the childhood he deserves. To read more about Ethan’s journey of courage and hope: Visit Ethans Appeal.
A family’s gratitude
Ethan’s parents, Alasdair and Rachel, shared their heartfelt thanks: “We can never express what this gift means for our family. Last Christmas, we were praying for a miracle. A year later, thanks to the kindness of strangers and the support of ACLT, Ethan has a future. We are overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who came forward, and everyone involved in the pooled donation that made this possible.”
Together with his little brother, Theo, Ethan can now enjoy the adventures he loves, days at the beach, forest school, countryside exploring, science experiments, and simply being a child.
Melissa Harvey, Donor Recruitment & Development Officer at ACLT
“Public patient appeals like Ethan’s are powerful because they bring communities together in a moment of shared compassion. When people step forward, whether or not they are ultimately the match, it widens the pool, raises awareness, and saves lives far beyond the individual story. We have been truly honoured to support Ethan and his family throughout their journey. If Ethan’s story has moved you, please consider learning more about living kidney donation or registering your organ donation decision—because every person who takes that step increases hope for patients still waiting.”
How you can help?
Ethan’s story highlights the profound impact of living and deceased organ donation, especially within Black and mixed-heritage communities, where shortages are acute. Only 1.4% of the UK organ donor register is Black heritage and 7% of families from Black communities consented to deceased organ donation. Despite this, Black donors contributed 29% of all kidney transplants (27 deceased, 17 living).
More people, especially from Black heritage backgrounds—are urgently needed to register their organ donation decision and share it with their families.
