‘We’re so proud of him’: Three-year-old boy who donated organs honoured with memorial

A three-year-old boy who died in an accident and donated seven organs to save two children has been honoured with a memorial.

Aari Patel, from Croydon, became an organ donor in 2016 after an accident at home and his parents Jay and Sina Patel, who live in Croham Manor Road, received the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation in 2017.

On Friday, the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard, unveiled a plaque dedicated to the memory of all organ and tissues donors at an event at the Museum of the Order of St John, in Clerkenwell.

The stone memorial will have a permanent home in the Cloister Garden at the museum where anyone will be able to visit it.

Donor families from across the UK were among those who came together at the event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the award, and remember all donors.

The Patel family recall what Aari’s donation and award meant at the time and how they are still impacted today.

Aari’s dad, Mr Patel, said: “I remember we were surprised Aari was offered the award, we hadn’t heard of it and we were so touched. It meant people were still thinking of Aari and remembering him and the fact he saved lives, which meant so much.

“I’ll never forget what the ceremony was like, we’d never met another donor family and to be among other people in similar circumstances all receiving the award, was amazing, sad but amazing. It was a pinnacle moment for us, for Aari to be recognised for his selfless sacrifice to save others.

“I still remember when his name was called, my heart was beating so fast. I was so proud to collect Aari’s award, it was emotional.

“We have Aari’s award up at home in his room, it reminds us he has been recognised for what he has done. I always tell people Aari died but we celebrate the fact that he has helped others. We’re so proud of him.

“Aari’s donation brings comfort and joy and is something to celebrate. Some people find it hard to talk to us about Aari because he has died, organ donation and the award allow us to talk about Aari and positively.

“I struggle to cry now because why am I going to be upset about the amazing thing Aari has done? I can’t be sad, I celebrate Aari, he and his donation are so much a part of us and that feeling is priceless.”

Simon Williams, the chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “This award represents the very best of humanity, recognising extraordinary people who seek to help others if the worst should happen to them.

“Every person who is recognised has their own story, yet they are united in their life changing impact on others who are facing their own hour of great need.”

Pictured top: Aari Patel, three, died in an accident at home (Picture: NHSBT)