FAMILIES and young people across the Keighley district are being urged to give the 'gift of life' in 2024.

There is a desperate need for child organ donors.

And now a new campaign has been launched to raise awareness and encourage more people to sign up to the NHS organ donor register.

Currently, 25 children in this region are waiting for an organ transplant – UK-wide, the figure is over 230.

As part of the latest initiative, dolls have been created representing the youngsters and placed at locations across the country. Passers-by are invited to scan a QR code and hear the children's stories.

Amongst those featuring in the Waiting to Live campaign is 14-year-old Uqbah Mohammed, from the Bradford district.

Her doll is being hosted by Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Uqbah has been beset by various health conditions during her life, and in 2019 it was discovered there was a problem with her kidneys.

Her mum, Ummarah, says: "Uqbah didn’t walk until she was five years old, and even now requires a wheelchair to cover long distances. She has very limited understanding of the world and has little concept of her surroundings.

“She was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and listed for a transplant in 2021, since when her condition has deteriorated. She is now on dialysis three times a week, for four hours per visit.

"We are going through very challenging times, as life is literally between hospital and home. Currently Uqbah cannot enjoy any of her favourite activities such as swimming, due to the risk of infection, neither can we enjoy holidays abroad like we used to with our other family members.

"A kidney donation for Uqbah would provide a new lease of life. It would mean the world and a new beginning for her, myself and our extended family. It would allow Uqbah to enjoy daily activities and live life to the fullest, as she loves life and is a very beautiful and sociable young lady!

"As a mother, I urge anyone to please help by coming forward and giving my beautiful daughter a chance of a new life."

Dr Amanda Newnham, paediatric consultant nephrologist at Leeds Children’s Hospital, says: "There are hundreds of children waiting for an organ transplant, including 25 in this region. Hearing Uqbah's story really brings home the reality of how difficult it is for these children and their families.

"We are proud to support the Waiting to Live campaign and host Uqbah’s doll to raise awareness. We hope it encourages everyone to consider organ donation, which saves lives and is an amazing legacy."

Angie Scales, lead nurse for paediatric organ donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, says: "For many children on the transplant waiting list, their only hope is the family of another child saying 'yes' to organ donation at a time of immense sadness and personal grief. Yet, families tell us that agreeing to organ donation can also be a source of great comfort and pride.

"When organ donation becomes a possibility, it is often in very sudden or unexpected circumstances. When families have already had the opportunity to consider organ donation previously or know already it is something they support, it makes a difficult situation that bit easier.

"By encouraging more young people and their families to confirm their support for organ donation on the NHS organ donor register, we hope to be able to save more lives of children both today and in the future."

For more details, visit waitingtolive.org