Wife’s Organ Donation Saves Five Lives, Husband Addresses Community Stigma

A man whose wife passed away due to a brain haemorrhage stated that “when her time came, we knew we had to honour her decision” to donate her organs. Manoj Keshavji, residing in Nottingham, reported that his wife Leela, 47, saved five individuals’ lives following her death in 2020. NHS Blood and Transplant indicates that surveys reveal Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) families are considerably less inclined to donate organs, primarily because people believe it conflicts with their religious or cultural convictions. Mr. Keshavji noted a widespread stigma regarding organ donation within Asian communities and stressed that it is “vital” for families to discuss their wishes with their loved ones. The father-of-three explained that Leela overcame this stigma “by conducting her own research and getting a better understanding of the whole process, including speaking with experienced Hindu priests and reading online research.” He added, “The common factor between most faiths is the lack of understanding and never having held a family discussion about this taboo subject.” He also shared, “Leela and I had spoken several times with our children about our wishes and why we had chosen to become donors.” The 57-year-old remarked that it was “incredible” his wife saved five people. He recounted, “I received a letter from a lady who was gifted one of Leela’s organs and it was so emotional yet comforting to read.” He continued, “It still moves me to tears and when I read it out when I give a talk, it so often moves the audience to tears.” Mr. Keshavji, who helped operate a restaurant in Leicester with his wife, also mentioned that the donation had benefited his family. He commented, “The journey we have been on has been made more comfortable, it has really helped the healing process.” He added, “The knowledge they have honoured their mother’s wishes and helped these other people has really supported the children.” NHS Blood and Transplant is encouraging individuals to register their support for organ donation after new statistics showed a five-year peak in patients from BAME backgrounds receiving an organ transplant. The organization has released a report indicating that the number of transplants for people from BAME backgrounds in the UK increased from 1,129 in 2022/23 to 1,232 in 2023/24. However, nearly 80% of these organs came from white donors, as the number of people from BAME communities donating organs after death in the UK decreased by 19%, from 108 in 2022/23 to 88 in 2023/24. Mr. Keshavji stated, “A huge amount of work is going on to encourage donation but so far we are not getting so much result.” He affirmed, “But I will work to try and turn that around so the results are bigger than the effort.” Winnie Andango, from NHS Blood and Transplant, reported that thousands more individuals from minority ethnic groups are still awaiting transplants. She emphasized, “It’s vital that people continue to discuss their decision with their families and register their support for organ donation.” She further noted, “Organ donation is supported by all major religions and belief systems, but we understand there are still perceived barriers to donation, whether that be for reasons of faith or culture.”