Asians urged to Support Organ Donation as Transplant List Surges

The Asian population is being urged to help save lives by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register ahead of a major multi-sport event celebrating transplant recipients and donors next summer.

The Westfield Health British Transplant Games will return to Sheffield between August 6 and 9, 2026, for the first time since 2013.

More than 2,500 participants are expected to take part across 26 sports, including over 1,000 transplant recipients.

The Games’ return comes as the UK organ transplant waiting list reaches record levels.

NHS Blood and Transplant figures show more than 8,000 people are currently waiting, with around 1,460 of Asian ethnicity.

Only 3.9% of deceased organ donors in the UK are Asian, while family consent rates stand at 32.9% for Asian donors, compared with 63% for white donors.

Nearly 63% of Asian patients placed on the waiting list waited at least one year.

Organisers hope the Games will encourage more people to confirm their consent via the NHS Organ Donation Register and help address an organ donation rate of just 7% among Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Mahmud Nawaz, Chair of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and an organ donation ambassador, said:

“If you’re of Asian ethnicity, then you’re half as likely to say yes to donation, but around twice as likely to need a transplant – and that’s the health inequality we are facing.

“The Westfield Health British Transplant Games has a powerful role to play in bringing together diverse communities – both in terms of athletes, supporters and spectators – so they can see the benefits of organ donation first hand, and to inspire more people, regardless of their faith, to support organ donation.

“That support means signing the NHS Organ Donation Register to express your preference on organ donation, and having the conversation with loved ones to tell them your wishes, because if you were to die, the consent to donate your organs passes on to them.

“A simple conversation with your loved one, or a quick signing of the donation register, could save up to nine lives.”

The Games will showcase the healthy and fulfilling lives that transplant patients can lead. They will also provide an opportunity to thank live donors and donor families for their life-changing generosity.

Transplant recipients and donors recently came together at the official launch event at the Canon Medical Arena to share their experiences of giving and receiving a transplant.

Now in its 48th year, the British Transplant Games is the flagship event of Transplant Active, a charity that promotes active recovery for transplant recipients and raises awareness of organ donation.

Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Transplant Active, said: “The Westfield Health British Transplant Games is a vehicle that allows us to shine a light on the crucial role of organ donation, where one person can save up to nine lives.

“This comes to the fore none more so when you hear of first-hand stories from recipients about how a transplant has helped them to lead healthy lives, while also being able to celebrate and thank donors and their families.

“As we head into these Games, we face the heartbreaking reality that approximately 1,000 lives are lost unnecessarily every year whilst waiting for a transplant, which underlines the importance of as many people as possible supporting organ donation.

“This means signing the NHS Organ Donor Register now to state your preference, but also following this up with a conversation with your loved ones to make your preference clear.

“We are looking forward to hosting the Games in Sheffield, which is also home to the Games’ long-term sponsor Westfield Health, and along with our other partners we can leave a legacy of greater awareness for the ongoing need for more donors.”

Many of the events will take place in and around Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park, with further details to be confirmed.

Steve Purdham, Chairman at Westfield Health, said: “Next August in Sheffield, we’re hosting more than a sporting event, we’re igniting a movement.

“The Westfield Health British Transplant Games shine a light on the gift of organ donation, where one person can save nine lives and transform the futures of fifty more.

“But that impact only begins with a conversation.

“Telling your loved ones you want to be a donor is what turns intention into action.”

“This ‘gift of life’ means these Games are a celebration of life, movement, and second chances and a powerful reminder that the simplest conversations can save the most lives.”

Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “The Games are a celebration of life, resilience and community.

They were last held in Sheffield in 2013, and we are honoured to be hosting them once again!

“We are looking forward to welcoming the thousands of athletes and supporters who will be attending, from all over the UK.

“Preparations are well underway to ensure Sheffield delivers a memorable and inspiring Games next summer.”

Adults can proactively sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register to become a donor. More information is available via the NHS Organ Donor Register and Transplant Active websites.