Mum who lost toddler in tragic accident makes emotional plea in new NHS organ donation Christmas video

A heartbroken mum whose son died in a tragic accident has made an emotional plea in a new NHS video to urge others to consider organ donation.

3 year-old Aari sadly passed away after an accident at home in 2016 and while his young life couldn't be saved, he went on to donate 7 organs and save the lives of others, including 2 children.

Hope Takes Flight

The 'Hope Takes Flight' social video focused on Aari, released this week by NHS Blood and Transplant, shows the emotional journey of his parents who share why they took the brave decision to donate Aari's organs.

The video starts with dad Jay Patel, aged 50, from Croydon, South London, at home talking about how Aari's sudden passing was such a shock but their decision to donate brought them comfort in their darkest hour.

Mum Sina, 51, goes on to share their heartfelt memories of the toddler describing him as 'cheeky' but 'very loved'.

Together they make the plea for more people to consider organ donation after it was revealed a record number of people are waiting for an organ transplant this Christmas.

More than 8,000 people across the UK, more than ever before heading into Christmas, are currently listed on the transplant waiting list.

Sina, aged 51, says: "9 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. We hope they are able to do many of the things Aari did not get a chance to do, like starting school or learning to swim.

"We are so extremely proud of Aari, he has achieved so much more in his short life than we ever will.

"It's upsetting and disheartening that so many more people are waiting for a transplant, especially when everyone of us has the chance to change that by starting the conversation about organ donation and confirming their decision on the Organ Donor Register."

Sina adds; "Hope Takes Flight captures the hope and optimism at the heart of organ donation, celebrating the passing on of the gift of life. We hope the video will inspire others to act and empower us all to make a meaningful impact.

"We never know what is round the corner, our lives can change in a split second. By confirming your decision on the Organ Donor Register and informing your family of your decision it will give them comfort and strength they are making the right decision during one of the hardest times.

"We hope this video inspires others to see how one decision can transform countless lives through the gift of organ donation. Even in our sadness, we hold on to the memory of Aari and strive to share the positive legacy he left behind."

The stories being shared

The 'Hope Takes Flight' launch video, earlier this week, includes Aari and also highlights those who have experienced the heart aching wait for a transplant to the life-changing moment a patient finally receives that call, offering a second chance at life.

Each story is symbolically linked by a pink and white paper plane - designed by lung transplant recipient and origami artist Joe Russell, representing the hopeful journey that organ donation can bring families. The 47-year-old, from Worthing, West Sussex, also shares his story.

The social campaign also shares the stories of liver recipient and mum of 4 Nicki, Detko, 66, from Preston and Elodie Gray, 11, from Bristol, who received a heart as a baby.

Retired PE teacher, Nicki, shares her emotional transplant journey after an autoimmune disease left her in need of an urgent lifesaving liver transplant. This year marks the 21st Christmas she's been able to share with her now grown up children and grandkids after a lifesaving liver transplant 2 decades ago.

Schoolgirl, Elodie, was rushed to hospital as a baby where an emergency scan revealed she had dilated cardiomyopathy and needed either medicine to try and help her heart recover – or a heart transplant. She received her heart as a baby and is thriving, now aged 11.

Christine Cox, whose family campaigned for and established the first national NHS Organ Donor Register, is backing the Hope Takes Flight campaign. She started her campaigning alongside her mother Rosemary and father John, in memory of her brother, Peter, who died in 1989, which led to the creation of the register in 1994. Christine recently met origami artist and lung recipient Joe Russell, who designed the organ donation paper plane, at an awareness raising event in her home city – Wolverhampton.

Christine, aged 63, says: "Hope takes flight is a brilliant project showing how people can be connected through the altruistic gift of life. It shows how the Organ Donor Register brings hope to the 8,000 patients on the current waiting list for an organ. I am sure this project will help start the conversation that we all need to have this Christmas as families and friends gather. Please discuss your wishes and find out what your family and friends wishes are too.

"Meeting Joe was a great honour. He is inspirational and a tremendous ambassador and it is "plain/plane" to see how his transplant has given him his life back. It is wonderful that Joe is giving back through this project and his aerodynamic paper plane is great fun to make.

"Organ donation means so much to my family because there is no better gift to commit to this Christmas than joining the NHS Organ Donor Register. The fact that one person can give sight or prevent a patient undergoing dialysis and return to a normal life has to be the greatest, altruistic gift one can give. Please remember death is the only certainty in life and organ donation is the ultimate in recycling."

It is hoped the campaign videos, bringing together all four stories linked by the organ donation paper plane and also focusing on them individually, will prompt people to confirm their support for organ donation on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell their family.

Every day in December, someone will die waiting for a transplant. It is hoped people will share the Hope Takes Flight videos to inspire others to become lifesavers this festive season.

Why your decision is important

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant said: 

"At this time of giving and thinking of others, please give hope to the thousands of people, including hundreds of children, waiting for a lifesaving phone call this Christmas.

"Their lives can only be saved by the ultimate act of humanity and kindness - organ donation. Up to 9 lives can be saved when sadly a life is lost.

"Register your decision to be an organ donor and tell your family. Share the Hope Takes Flight videos and inspire others to become lifesavers."

The videos are being shared on NHS Organ Donation's social media channels in the run up to and over Christmas to raise awareness. Watch them and share them on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube – search NHS Organ Donation, @nhsorgandonor.

Register your decision for organ donation on the NHS Organ Donor Register, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app.  And please tell your family about your decision.