'A chat with my wife saved toddler's life - you all need to have the same conversation'
When Mahmud Nawaz had a chat with his wife Sharon over organ donation he never thought it would be needed so soon. The couple were young and had just moved to Yorkshire for the next stage of their lives together.
But at the age of just 32 Sharon unexpectedly suffered a brain haemorrhage and her wishes suddenly became vital. And the fact they had spoken of what she wanted to happen to her organs after her death meant her devastated husband knew what he needed to do.
Sharon was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary where doctors tried to save her life. But after being told there was nothing more that could be done Mahmud was asked if Sharon's organs could be donated to help others live fuller lives.
And after agreeing his decision went on to change the lives of four people including a boy whose parents were facing losing. The tot, then aged one-and-a-half, was seriously ill and his parents had been told would not reach his second birthday.
But Mahmud's decision knowing what his wife had wanted, meant the youngster was able to get the liver transplant that saved his life. Mahmud said: "The grief of a loved one changes your perspective on life, but for me, my wife was the first person that I knew that had died. Everything that I went through was very new, very raw. There was no playbook for how you’re meant to do it."
He added: "My wife prepared me for making a decision at the worst possible time by telling me she wanted to be a donor beforehand. At first, it felt overwhelming, but after talking it through, I realised it was a chance for Sharon’s legacy to live on by giving the gift of life to others."
In the UK, the number of people waiting for organ transplants has grown steadily, with 7,500 patients currently on the list. Despite this, many families remain uncertain about their loved ones' wishes regarding organ donation.
Research shows that 2.5 million people have opted out of the organ donation system, and 1 in 8 families are unsure whether their relative would have agreed to donate. However as Mahmud and Sharon had spoken of their views it meant that one decision changed the lives of four people, including the little boy.
And since then, Mahmud has dedicated himself to advocating for organ donation to inspire others to discuss their choices openly with their families. He joined organ donation committees in Leeds and Mid Yorkshire, became a non-executive director at Mid Yorkshire, and now is a Chair at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Mahmud also hopes to inspire people in communities to think about organ donation and celebrate their successes at the British Transplant Games. He said: "I’ve been involved in the British Transplant Games, proudly partnered with Westfield Health, a celebration of life that brings together the transplant community.
"Together, the organisations are working to raise awareness of organ donation and its lifelong impact on people and their communities. By 2028, Westfield Health will have donated over £1 million to the Games, which is an incredible impact."
Mahmud's first experience was at the Leeds 2022 Games, where he witnessed participants as young as three and as old as eighty come together to compete and celebrate their gift of life. His role at the games has now extended beyond participation; it is about advocacy, raising awareness, and reminding people of organ donation's profound impact.
Dave Capper, CEO of Westfield Health, said: “Mahmud’s story is inspiring, and we hope that it will motivate people to talk openly with their families and consider organ donation, given its life-changing impact. It's all about breaking the taboo and making life-saving decisions easier.”
Why is the donation conversation vital?
Since 2020, the UK has operated under an "opt-out" organ donation system, where everyone is considered a potential donor unless they specifically opt-out. However, family consent remains a critical factor in the process.
Even if someone has not opted out, their family will still be consulted in the event of their death. This is why discussing your decision with those closest to you is essential.
Research shows that when people clearly express their wishes to their families, the consent rate for organ donation jumps to 90%. However, without prior discussion, the rate drops to 60%.
This year, Organ Donation Week 2024 will be held from Monday, September 23, to Sunday, September 29. Mahmud is urging people to:
Make an informed decision about organ donation (This NHS page can help)
Record that decision (yes or no) on the organ donor register via the NHS App the NHS page)
Most importantly, tell your loved ones your decision, as they will be consulted.
He said: "I was lucky that my wife told me what she wanted. It’s not something you necessarily have an easy chat about.
"I knew she carried an organ donor card in her purse, and I said, “What’s that?” It was that simple. "We spoke about both organ donation and where she wanted to be cremated. That one conversation helped me make two tough decisions a bit easier during an awful time."