The family of a man from Neasden who had his organs donated after he died are calling for more people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities (BAME) to sign up as donors.

Shila Rabadia and her family were shocked when her father Naran Rabadia suffered a stroke and died, aged 63, in May.

Unknown to his family he was already on the organ donor register despite medical issues including diabetes.

Shila said: “He had other medical conditions and was diabetic, but it was so sudden that we certainly weren’t expecting it.

“Shortly after his death, we were approached by the organ donation team at Northwick Park Hospital, and were sensitively asked if we’d consider donating dad’s organs.

“We didn’t hesitate and said yes straight away, but as it turns out, he had already signed up to be a donor and was on the NHS organ donation register. It was just like him to do something like that.

“Not only did he give when he was alive, he also wanted to give when he died.”

Mr Rabadia’s kidney and liver were donated to two people.

Shila added: “We’re so proud of dad and as a family we would encourage everyone to join the register, especially those from BAME communities. The best thing you can do is save someone’s life – it’s the ultimate gift.”

In Brent 36 people across all ethnicities have died in the last 10 years with 104 residents needing a transplant, according to the NHS Blood and Transplant health authority.

There are 25,614 on the register but more are needed, particularly from the BAME communities as they are more likely to need an organ transplant than the rest of the population, and will often wait longer for a transplant due to the lack of suitable organs.

Bobbee Cotter, specialist nurse - organ donation, at the hospital in Watford Road, said: “Successful transplants can be carried out between people from different ethnic groups, but patients from the same ethnic group are more likely to be a close match.

“To ensure all patients have the opportunity of a successful transplant it is important that people from all ethnic backgrounds sign up to the register and talk to their families about their decision.”

For more information visit organdonation.nhs.uk.