Faith, Community and Compassion unite at Bristol’s Blood and Organ Donation Awareness Campaign
Bristol, 12 June 2019 — The Bethel Church in St George came alive on Wednesday evening as people from across Bristol’s diverse communities gathered for the Blood and Organ Donation Awareness Campaign and Community Champions Programme, organised by the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF).
Led by Mayor Tom Aditya, Chairman of BMFF, the event brought together civic dignitaries, faith leaders, community representatives, and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHS BT) specialists for an evening of dialogue, inspiration, and unity.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood and organ donation, exploring both the health benefits and faith-based perspectives surrounding the issue. Guests were treated to a rich mix of informative talks, heartfelt stories, and lively cultural performances, all capped off with delicious refreshments and community fellowship.
Inspirational Speakers and Shared Stories
Among the evening’s key speakers were the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Bishop Dexter Edmund, broadcast journalist and organ recipient Mrs Primrose Granville, living kidney donor Mr Wendell Raphael, and NHS BT specialist Dr Shibu Chacko MBE.
Each speaker offered a unique perspective: Bishop Edmund spoke passionately about the moral duty of saving lives within faith teachings; Mrs Granville moved the audience with her powerful testimony as an organ recipient; and Mr Raphael shared his deeply personal journey of donating a kidney to help another live.
Dr Shibu Chacko rounded off the talks with valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities in organ and blood donation, encouraging communities to take practical steps in becoming registered donors.
Engaging Dialogue and Cultural Unity
An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to voice their thoughts and clarify concerns about organ donation from both medical and spiritual standpoints. The open discussion helped dispel myths and fostered understanding among attendees of all backgrounds.
The evening also featured cultural performances that reflected Bristol’s vibrant diversity and the spirit of togetherness that BMFF champions. Guests enjoyed refreshments and take-home goodies, adding to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defined the night.
A Continuing Campaign Across Bristol
This event marks the first in a series of community engagement programmes under BMFF’s Organ Donation Awareness Campaign and Community Champions Programme. Further sessions will be held at:
-
Bristol Hindu Temple – Tuesday, 18 June 2019, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Sikh Gurudwara – Tuesday, 18 June 2019, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
-
Greenbank Mosque – Sunday, 7 July 2019, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Each event seeks to build stronger bridges between health services and local faith groups, inspiring individuals to become champions for life-saving causes within their communities.
Spreading the Message of Hope
Speaking after the event, Mayor Tom Aditya expressed gratitude to everyone who participated, saying that the campaign is “a testament to how Bristol’s communities can come together, across faiths and cultures, to support a cause that truly saves lives.”
The Bristol Multi-Faith Forum encourages everyone to join the ongoing events and to share the message within their networks. As the campaign continues across the city, it carries with it a powerful reminder that faith, compassion, and community can make a life-changing difference.
