Kidney (renal) failure can happen to anyone, however it is an illness affecting the African Caribbean community in a big way due to the high rates of people living with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which can potentially lead to patients developing kidney failure.

Across the UK, more than 1,000 people each year donate a kidney or part of their liver while they are still alive to a relative, friend or someone they do not know.

New figures from NHS Blood and Transplant Organ Donation and Transplantation for BAME 2018-2019 report reveal 149 people from ethnic backgrounds donated as a living donor, however only 25 were black.

Earlier this year ACLT filmed three living donors alongside their recipients, who shared their individual stories on ‘organ donation’. The donors who feature in the video selflessly donated their kidney to a loved one to help save their life.

The story of a single-mum of two, who is living with end stage kidney failure is also featured.

Watch the film below to find out more on what is means to become a living organ donor and give the gift of life.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You could help improve the chances of patients receiving the transplant they need by signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

It is important that you share your donation decision with your family, so that they can support your donation going ahead in the event of your passing.

Additionally, you may want to consider being a living donor to close family or friends who may be waiting for a kidney.

Find out more on how to become a living donor here.

Find our more on how to join the Organ Donor Register (to donate after you die), here