Couple make organ donation plea after son's death

"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."

"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."

"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. 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.'"

Aari Patel, a three-year-old who died in a 2016 Croydon accident, had seven organs donated by his parents Jay and Sina Patel. The donations saved the lives of at least two other children and provided the family with comfort amid grief. More than 8,000 people are waiting for organ transplants this Christmas, the highest number on record. The NHS campaign Hope Takes Flight shares donor and recipient stories to encourage organ donation. Recipient stories include a 66-year-old given a liver 20 years ago and an 11-year-old who received a heart as a baby. Campaigning by Christine Cox and her parents led to the national Organ Donor Register in 1994.

Read at www.bbc.com