The Asian population is being urged to save lives by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register, ahead of a major multi-sport event next summer that will celebrate transplant recipients and donors.
The Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which is Transplant Active’s annual flagship event, is returning to Sheffield between 6 and 9 August 2026 for the first time since 2013. Over 2,500 participants, including more than 1,000 transplant recipients, are expected to take part across 26 sports. The Games’ arrival in Sheffield comes as the organ transplant waiting list in the UK is at record levels, topping more than 8,000 according to NHS Blood and Transplant, with around 1460 of those of Asian ethnicity.
Currently only 3.9% of all deceased organ donors in the UK are Asian, while the family consent rates for organ donation stand at 32.9% for Asian donors, compared to 63% for white donors*. And nearly 63% of Asian patients who have been placed on the transplant waiting list waited for at least one year*. Organisers hope the Games will encourage more people to commit to donating organs themselves by confirming their consent via the NHS Organ Donation register and address an organ donation rate of just 7% among Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Mahmud Nawaz is Chair of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and an organ donation ambassador following the death of his wife whose donated organs saved four lives. He 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 demonstrate the healthy, fulfilling lives that transplant patients can lead and provide an opportunity to thank live donors and donor families for their life-changing generosity. Transplant recipients and donors recently came together at the Games’ official launch event at the Canon Medical Arena to share their own life-changing experiences of giving and receiving a transplant. The Games, which is now in its 48th year, is the flagship event of Transplant Active, a charity that promotes active recovery for transplant recipients and increases awareness of the benefits 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 Games’ events will take place in and around Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park, with further details to be confirmed in due course.
Steve Purdham, Chair at Westfield Health, added: “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 that 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 said: “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 whilst they are alive.
