The Prime Minister has recognised Kirit Modi, from Harrow, for raising awareness of organ donation in BAME communities.
Kirit is a kidney transplant recipient, Life Vice-Chair of the National Kidney Federation and founding member of The National Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Transplant Alliance (NBTA) who works with black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to encourage organ donation.
There is an urgent shortage of organs for transplant for people from all backgrounds but it’s particularly acute for kidney transplant patients from BAME communities, with Asian patients on average having to wait 6 months longer than it would take someone from a White background. At a grassroots level Kirit has worked with a wide range of community groups including Neasden Temple, London’s largest Hindu temple, to create targeted campaigns in English, Hindi, and Gujarati to raise awareness of living donations and donations after death.The Institute of Jainology through the OneJAIN network has been instrumental in organising several presentations to the Jain community in the UK.
Kirit is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements. Kirit received his award from Philip May at a reception to mark Diwali.
In a personal letter to Kirit, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your work with the ‘National Kidney Federation’ and ‘National BAME Transplant Alliance’ is raising awareness and changing attitudes about organ donation in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. You should feel incredibly proud of the work you are doing with faith and community groups to increase the number of organ donors and help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Bob Blackman, Kirit’s local MP for Harrow East, said:
“I congratulate Kirit Modi in his endeavours being recognised by the Prime Minister and now receiving such an illustrious award.
“His work in the field of BAME organ donation is first-rate and he has, no doubt, raised awareness and saved lives in the process.
“To anyone who is BAME, I urge you to consider signing up as a donor.”
Kirit said:
“I am honoured to receive this recognition which is a result of working collaboratively with many organisations, particularly BAME groups, over many years. I believe that the introduction of deemed consent in England will generate a national debate which will significantly increase the number of organ donors. Our aim should be that nobody should die while waiting for an organ transplant in the UK. I am passionate about explaining the key messages related to deemed consent, particularly within the Hindu and Jain communities.”
Kirit is the 1049th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK. There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.
Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Points of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.