The parents of a three-year-old boy from Croydon, whose tragic death in a 2016 home accident led to the saving of other young lives, are now urging the public to consider organ donation. Aari Patel donated seven of his organs, a decision which directly saved the lives of two other children and offered his family a profound sense of comfort.
A Legacy of Life from Loss
Aari's parents, Jay and Sina Patel, have shared their story as part of a poignant new NHS campaign titled 'Hope Takes Flight'. Jay, 50, described how choosing to donate their son's organs brought them solace during an unimaginably difficult time. Sina, 51, remembered her 'cheeky' and 'very loved' toddler, emphasising that nine years on, their belief in that decision remains unshaken.
"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 the right decision," Sina said. She expressed her hope that Aari's recipients are living "long and fulfilling" lives with their own families.
The Critical Need for Donors
The campaign launches against a backdrop of critical need. More than 8,000 people across the UK are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving transplant, including hundreds of children. Sina Patel highlighted the urgency, stating it is "upsetting and disheartening that so many more people are waiting for a transplant, especially when every one of us has the chance to change that."
She stressed the dual importance of both registering a decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and, crucially, informing family members of that choice. "By confirming your decision... and informing your family of your decision it will give them comfort and strength they are making the right decision during one of the hardest times," she added.
Hope Takes Flight: A Symbolic Campaign
The 'Hope Takes Flight' campaign video features Aari's story alongside others awaiting the call for a transplant. A central symbol of the campaign is a pink and white paper plane, designed by lung transplant recipient and origami artist Joe Russel, representing the hopeful journey organ donation provides.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, made a direct appeal: "At this time of giving and thinking of others, please give hope to the thousands of people, including hundreds of children, waiting for a lifesaving phone call this Christmas. Their lives can only be saved by the ultimate act of humanity and kindness - organ donation."
He reminded the public that up to nine lives can be saved by one donor. The NHS encourages people to confirm their support via the NHS Organ Donor Register online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk, by calling 0300 123 23 23, or via the NHS app.
