Urgent Need for More Black Organ Donors in the UK
- News Team | African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 2
In September 2025, our Founder and Director, Candice McKenzie, received a life saving kidney transplant. That transplant was only possible because someone made the decision to become an organ donor.
Candice recently appeared on ITV News Anglia alongside Professor Gurch Randhawa and Fatima Begum to discuss an issue that continues to affect Black and minority ethnic communities across the United Kingdom: the urgent need for more Black organ donors in the UK, particularly kidney donors.
Black patients in the UK are disproportionately represented on transplant waiting lists and often experience longer waiting times due to the shortage of suitably matched donors. Increasing awareness and encouraging informed conversations about Black organ donors in the UK is a vital part of addressing this inequality.
We hope this video will inspire you to consider the importance of organ donation, reflect on how informed health commitments can save lives, and share the work of ACKEE within your own networks.
What action can you take today?
A – Take Action and assess your health
Have a full blood test once a year to check how your body is performing. Avoid being in a position to need a kidney transplant – take action today.
C – Check for warning signs
Look out for tiredness, cloudy or bloody urine, sudden hair loss, or high blood pressure.
K – Keep active
Exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol.
E – Eat well
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, drink water, reduce salt, and limit processed foods.
E – Educate yourself and others Learn about kidney health and organ donation:
Follow @wearetheACKEE on all social platforms
Visit www.ackee.org.uk to confirm your organ donation decision (takes just 2 minutes)
How can you help ACKEE?
Share – Spread this blog and ACKEE’s work. Start conversations about organ donation at home, work, faith groups, or in your community.
Donate – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today. Your generous support helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community
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