Amrit Paul was in the middle of his computer science exams when he was told by doctors he would need a kidney transplant. He was placed on the organ donation register almost five years ago, having been diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease aged four. Amrit undergoes nine hours of peritoneal dialysis each night, a method of blood purification used when kidneys fail.
Now he and his parents are appealing for a living kidney donor from the South Asian community to come forward. Amrit’s mum Jatinder Paul is leading their campaign, with their poster reading: “Please, help us find an angel for Amrit.” Their appeal comes as NHS Blood and Transplant reveals that a record number of people are waiting for a life-saving transplant in the UK.
When Amrit’s immediate family discovered they were unable to donate, they also became aware of the shortage of matching donors from global majority backgrounds. Dr Rhys Evans, clinical lead for kidney transplantation at Royal Free London, said ethnicity can play a significant role in how long a patient waits.
As of 31 March 2025, more than 8,000 people were on the active transplant waiting list across the UK – the highest number ever recorded. In the capital, the number of deceased organ donors fell last year to 130, down from 154 the previous year. Fiona Loud, policy director at charity Kidney Care UK, said greater awareness and conversation within ethnic minority communities is vital.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, is also urging people to register their wishes. Despite the difficulties and uncertainty about whether a donor will come forward, the family say they remain hopeful. “We want to spread the word, bring awareness and find a match,” said Jatinder. “He’s focused on living a normal life, and that’s what gives us the strength to keep going as a unit.”
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