Heaton resident Busola Banjo, who donated a kidney to her sister so she could have a better quality of life is set to be honoured at a glittering appreciation dinner for the UK’s Black living donors and the sacrifices they have made for their loved ones.
Busola would then describe herself as a problem solver. One who cannot know there is something to do to help someone else and not do it. No wonder when her sister needed a kidney, she did not wait a second before giving her one of her kidneys, knowing fully well that she could live fully with one kidney.
The charity Gift of Living Donation (GOLD) whose mission is to increase awareness of organ donation and living donation, in particular, will be hosting the event at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, WC1N 1HT on the 18th May.
In the sumptuous settings of this four-star hotel, living donor, their families, dignitaries, well-wishers, and other invited guests will enjoy a superb meal whilst having the opportunity to share stories, anecdotes of their living donation experiences.
According to Dela Idowu; Gift of Living Donation (GOLD) founder, It’s an opportunity to bring together black living donors in the UK and recognise and celebrate their acts of selfless kindness. It’s the first of its kind event in the UK where donors and recipients can connect, share stories, positive insights and truly wonderful outcomes and feel part of a generous altruistic community.
According to Lisa Burnapp; Lead Nurse Living Donation, NHS Blood Transplant, there is no better way to celebrate the success of living donation and the difference it makes to people’s lives. ‘Seeing is believing’. This appreciation dinner is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has donated but also to inspire others who may wish to consider donating a kidney.
The number of living organ donors from the black community is declining, mirroring the trend across all ethnicities. Last year 17 black people donated a kidney as a living donor, less than half the figure of five years earlier.
In contrast, there are currently 632 black people waiting for a transplant with the vast majority of those in need of a kidney. Sadly, last year 31 patients from black backgrounds died waiting for a transplant.
The event aims to raise awareness of organ donation in the Black community and the need for more Black donors especially since organ donation legislation has received its Royal Assent.
As an organization that works on creating and promoting awareness of organ donation living kidney donation, in particular, Gift of Living Donation has helped to save thousands of lives. Founded by Dela Idowu as a potential living kidney donor for her brother. She would be declared medically incompatible. Heart-broken, she decided to combine her experience as a potential living kidney donor with her background in charity work to found the charity and raise awareness of organ donation within the Black community.
