Urgent Appeal for Living Kidney Donor from South Asian Community

Amrit Paul, a 24-year-old computer science graduate, has been waiting for a kidney transplant for nearly five years, prompting his family to seek a living donor from the South Asian community. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at age four, Amrit currently undergoes nightly peritoneal dialysis for nine hours, a method of blood purification required when kidneys fail. His mother, Jatinder Paul, is spearheading the family's campaign for a donor, emphasizing the urgent need for individuals from minority backgrounds to come forward due to compatibility issues.

Amrit's condition was a shock to him and his family, especially as he was in the middle of his exams when he received the diagnosis. "Feeling your body change as your organs start to decline is tough," Amrit stated in an interview. His family, particularly his mother, is committed to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation within their community.

A report from NHS Blood and Transplant indicates that as of March 31, 2025, over 8,000 people are on the transplant waiting list in the UK, the highest number recorded to date. Furthermore, the number of deceased organ donors in London fell from 154 to 130 in the past year, exacerbating the challenge faced by those needing transplants. Dr. Rhys Evans, clinical lead for kidney transplantation at Royal Free London, highlighted that patients with blood group B, like Amrit, often face longer wait times due to the scarcity of suitable donors from South Asian and Black ethnic groups.

Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, emphasized the need for greater awareness and conversation surrounding organ donation in ethnic minority communities. "Sadly, every day at least one person dies waiting for a transplant. This has to change," she remarked. Jatinder Paul has expressed her frustration at not being able to donate due to her own health issues but remains hopeful that someone from the community will come forward.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, echoed the call for increased donor registrations. He noted, "We are facing an incredibly concerning situation. More people than ever are waiting for transplants, but fewer donations are taking place. We need to act across all areas."

The Paul family continues to advocate for awareness and support, hoping that their efforts will result in a match for Amrit, who has put his young adult life on hold while waiting for a kidney donor. They are determined to spread the word and bring attention to the pressing need for organ donors, particularly from diverse backgrounds, to save lives like Amrit's.