Hope for Anaya: the toddler who has found a potential donor after appeal to ethnic community
Watch Katie Cole's full report here
A Newcastle couple who made a nationwide appeal to find a kidney for their two-year-old daughter say a match has been found from a living donor.
Anaya Kandola's parents are sharing her story to try and raise awareness of organ donation in ethnic minorities, as those who need a transplant often wait significantly longer than white patients.
According to the NHS, one in five people who died on the Transplant Waiting List last year were from a Black, Asian or ethnic minority background.
The NHS says more Black and Asian donors are "urgently needed" to tackle the increase in patients from the same communities dying whilst waiting for an organ transplant.
Anaya's story has been shared around the country, on social media, at donor awareness events and on Asian radio and TV channels.
The family hope to raise awareness in the community, of the understanding the benefits of organ donation.
Credit: Akaal Channel
The family also set up the Hope4Anaya Facebook page to spread the word to update followers about Anaya's journey.
Their latest post, featured "the best news in the world" as they say God heard their prayers.
According to the Organ Donation NHS website:
Why does ethnicity matter in organ donation?
According to the NHS, people from Black and Asian communities are more likely to develop conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and certain forms of hepatitis than white people - making them more likely to need a transplant.
In order for a successful transplant, blood and tissue types need to match.
The best match for a donor would come from someone with the same ethnic background, although some patients can receive transplants from white people.
There are Black and Asian donors - but not enough to meet the needs of patients on the waiting list.
Useful links: (Source: Organ Donation NHS)