About the Choir
Music on a mission
The Black Living Donor Choir is made up of Black men and women who made the heartfelt decision to improve the quality of life of a family member, loved one, friend and a stranger by donating one of their kidneys.
They’re on a mission to encourage and inspire more people from the Black community to talk about living donation as it’s the best treatment option for people who need a kidney transplant.
Living kidney donors Derricka and Vicki (pictured) said, “We took a risk and had an operation we didn’t need. We are a wife and a daughter and proud Black living donors”
Kidney Care UK is one of the choir’s sponsors. They are the UK’s leading kidney charity supporting patients – we’re very grateful for their support.
What drives their passion?
Music is at the heart of many cultures, it’s a joyful way to introduce a difficult conversation in a non-threatening way, inviting the curious to take the first step.
People from the Black community are five times more likely to develop kidney disease and wait longer for a kidney transplant than other communities. But we don’t talk about it. Black people living with chronic kidney disease can feel very isolated. The choir offers a wonderful, uplifting way for us to let them know about the support GOLD and the network of clinicians we work with can give them.
The Black Living Donor choir has been a game changer in raising awareness of living donation.
Their powerful voices are changing the narrative and helping to start conversations that address the stigma, taboo, and myths around living kidney donation, especially in Black and diverse communities.
The Black living donor choir are an incredible group of people who are passionate about improving the lives of black people living with kidney failure. I’ve heard them sing and have heard their stories, they are heartfelt, inspiring and honest. They need to take their message of living kidney donation nationally and internationally to encourage more black people to become living donors
The choir is a vibrant and visible platform to raise awareness of a very important topic that people in the black community are reluctant to talk about. Music is such a powerful medium that crosses all generations , it is a great initiative.
Such a creative way to get the black community talking about living kidney donation. They have such a powerful message that every black person living with kidney failure needs to hear as it could literally save their life! We all relate to music and personal human stories the choir have been innovative and combined both. I support them 100%
Meet some of our choir members
Phillip’s Story
In 1993 my wife Denise was diagnosed with lupus after giving birth to our son and soon developed kidney failure and spent years on dialysis. Denise had a deceased donor transplant and during that period, I proposed to her on her 40th birthday.
Unfortunately, our happiness was short lived when a virus attacked Denise’s donated kidney, sadly she was back on dialysis. Denise and I had discussed living donation, I donated one of my kidneys through the three-way kidney swap scheme.
We were the first to take part in this pioneering operation in the UK on July 25th, 2018, and it was a success. Knowing my wife has a better quality of life brings me, our son, family, and friends so much joy and happiness.
Suzanne’s Story
When I was told my daughter had kidney failure and would need dialysis, I was absolutely heartbroken, she had been through so much and this was the last straw.
My daughter initially had dialysis at New Cross dialysis unit, but in order to look after her children she changed to home dialysis. Whilst back on dialysis after having a failed deceased kidney transplant she was advised to think about living donation, when she told me I immediately put myself forward.
After numerous tests I was found to be a perfect match. There were a few last minute cancellations but the transplant finally went ahead. It was a successful transplant, my daughter was absolutely glowing when I met her the next day, and she looked as if she had been for a spa treatment. Living donation transformed my daughter’s life!
Bertram’s Story
I embarked on a journey that for many people from the black community would be unthinkable.
In 2017 at St Georges Hospital, I donated a kidney to Hayley my wife through the kidney sharing scheme. I was not a match for Hayley but when I found out about the kidney sharing scheme (KSS) I put myself forward.
It was the best decision I have ever made. Seeing my wife enjoy life again is fantastic. No more dialysis! We can travel and now do all the normal things married couples do.
Spreading Hope & Harmony
The Black Living Donor Choir perform at different types of events, from small local community events to large performances. They are based in London but travel nationally.
By booking the Black Living Donor Choir to perform at your event, you are not only experiencing a musical journey of hope but also supporting the powerful message of transforming lives through living donation.
Soulful performances nationwide
Performance bookings
For all bookings please contact Polly Todd, Community Engagement Manager, email info@blacklivingdonorchoir.org.uk or use the contact form below.