Couple in NHS organ donation campaign after son’s death in Croydon

The parents of a three-year-old boy who died in an accident at their south London home have shared their story in a new NHS campaign, urging other families to consider organ donation.

After Aari Patel’s death in Croydon in 2016, his parents Jay and Sina Patel chose to donate seven of his organs – a decision that saved the lives of at least two other children.

Mr and Mrs Patel said their son’s sudden death was “such a shock” but their decision to donate brought some comfort.

According to NHS Blood and Transplant, more than 8,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant this Christmas – the highest number on record.

Mrs Patel, now 51, said: “Nine years on we miss Aari just as much if not more.

“Every passing year it feels like we are further away from him, but we remain strong in the belief the decision to donate Aari’s organs was right decision.

“We can only hope Aari’s recipients were given another chance to have a long and fulfilling life with their family and friends. We hope they are able to do many of the things Aari did not get a chance to do, like starting school or learning to swim.

“We are so extremely proud of Aari, he has achieved so much more in his short life than we ever will.”

Mrs Patel said she and her husband hoped the the NHS campaign, called Hope Takes Flight, inspired others to see how one decision can transform countless lives.

She said: “Even in our sadness, we hold on to the memory of Aari and strive to share the positive legacy he left behind.”

The social campaign also shares the stories of recipients, including a 66-year-old who was given a liver 20 years ago, and an 11-year-old who received a heart as a baby.

Christine Cox, whose family campaigned for and established the first national NHS Organ Donor Register, started campaigning with her mother Rosemary and father John, in memory of her brother, Peter, who died in 1989.

Their work led to the creation of the register in 1994.

She said Hope Takes Flight was “a brilliant project showing how people can be connected through the altruistic gift of life”.

“Please remember death is the only certainty in life and organ donation is the ultimate in recycling,” she added.