Leicester’s Hospitals will celebrate World Kidney Day on Thursday 13 March 2014, by encouraging people to decorate trees at Leicester General Hospital with messages from kidney patients, kidney donors, family members and staff.

The ‘wishing trees’ will be the centrepiece at the event which hopes to raise awareness of kidney disease, its treatment and the organ donor register.

The event is being organised by Leicester Hospitals Charity, Kidney Care Appeal.

Speakers at the event will include senior renal medical staff and renal patients.

A special World Kidney Day cake will be cut by the Leicester Mercury’s Carer of the Year, Avril Patel.

In the UK, 3000 transplants were carried out in 2012-2013. Over 6000 people are currently waiting on the organ donor register for kidneys. In Leicester, 510 people are currently waiting for a kidney.

Melody Reeves, renal recipient transplant co-ordinator, said:

“This year we want to highlight the number of people waiting for a kidney transplant. We hope that the wishing trees will provide a visual reminder of the benefits kidney transplantation brings to peoples lives.”

Volunteers will also cycle 100 metres for every Leicester’s Hospitals patient who has had a transplant or is currently waiting for one.

Ms Reeves added:

“We want to encourage more people to learn about kidney disease and its implications, motivating them to join the national Organ Donor Register. This will mean that more transplants can go ahead.”

A donor information and registration stand will be in the hospital’s main restaurant on the day. Live entertainment will be provided by musician, Neil Segrott and friends.

The event takes place from 12pm until 3.30pm on the lawn at the rear of Leicester General Hospital.