A Croydon woman who saved her sister's life by donating a kidney is to be honoured at a ceremony celebrating black organ donors across the country.

South Norwood resident Yvette Hunt, 54, gave her sister Jean, 62, one of her kidneys after her own failed due to polycystic disease, a condition causing fluid-filled cysts to grow inside the kidneys.

The Gift of Living Donation raises awareness of organ donation in the black community, and is putting on an event at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, on May 18 to celebrate individuals such as Yvette.

Yvette said: “I donated my kidney to my sister as I wanted her to have a second chance at life, be able to see her daughter graduate, meet her beautiful grandchildren as well as live her life to her full potential.

"It was a decision Imade without any hesitation and would do it again and again if I had the chance to.”

In the settings of the four-star hotel, living donors, their families, dignitaries, well-wishers and other invited guests will enjoy a meal and have the opportunity to share stories of their living donation experiences.

Dela Idowu, Gift of Living Donation (GOLD) founder said: “It’s an opportunity to bring together black living donors in the UK and recognise and celebrate their acts of selfless kindness.

"It’s the first of its kind event in the UK where donors and recipients can connect, share stories, positive insights and truly wonderful outcomes and feel part of a generous altruistic community.”

The number of living organ donors from the black community is declining, reflecting a general trend across society.

Last year 17 black people donated a kidney as a living donor, less than half the figure of five years earlier.

In contrast there are currently 632 black people waiting for a transplant with the vast majority of those in need of a kidney. Sadly, last year 31 patients from black backgrounds died waiting for a transplant.

Lisa Burnapp, Lead Nurse Living Donation, NHS Blood Transplant said: “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the success of living donation and the difference it makes to people’s lives. ‘Seeing is believing’.

"This appreciation dinner is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has donated but also to inspire others who may wish to consider donating a kidney."

To find out more about becoming an organ donor and how to support the work of GOLD please visit www.giftoflivingdonation.co.uk.