How a former Sheffield Children’s patient saved three lives after donating his organs  

Former Sheffield Children’s patient Eashan Madan died last year aged 27 following complications from surgery for a rare heart condition.  

For Organ Donation Week, his father Sanjeev Madan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sheffield Children’s, spoke to us about his legacy.  

Following Eashan’s death, his donated organs helped save three lives. Earlier this year he was honoured at the 2026 British Transplant Games in Sheffield.  

Having joined the NHS Organ Donor Register in 2018, he went on to donate his kidneys and liver, helping three transplant recipients and leaving a lasting legacy of kindness.   

At the opening ceremony of the British Transplant Games at Sheffield City Hall, Eashan’s family were invited to light the ceremonial flame in recognition of the impact his donation has had on the lives of others.   

Sanjeev said: “It was immensely humbling and emotional to see the honour Eashan received. It was a great honour to light the flame at the opening ceremony of the British Transplant Games. We were so touched by the support shown to our family and by the opportunity to share Eashan’s story.”   

Eashan had a long-standing connection with Sheffield Children’s after being born with Down’s Syndrome. He had regular appointments throughout his childhood with a number of specialist teams including ENT, Orthoptics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Dental services.   

His father said the care Eashan received at Sheffield Children’s helped him develop into “an independent, confident young adult.”   

“By donating his kidneys and liver we know that part of him is still living on. It was a great joy and immensely humbling to see transplant recipients from toddlers to elder adults taking part across the city. Eashan used to love everyone, and in return everyone loved him.”   

Sheffield Children’s team makes history   

This year’s British Transplant Games were a landmark moment for Sheffield Children’s, as we entered our own team for the first time during our 150th anniversary year.   

Between 6 to 9 August, the Games brought together more than 1,100 organ and stem cell transplant recipients – plus 219 living donors – from across the UK to celebrate the gift of organ donation through sport.   

Team Sheffield Children’s featured young people who have been cared for at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and whose lives have been transformed by organ and stem cell transplantation. Competing across a range of events, they demonstrated courage, determination and resilience while making new friendships and inspiring supporters throughout the weekend.   

The Games are an incredible celebration of life after transplant, whilst also highlighting the impact of organ and stem cell donation. For the Madan family, Eashan’s recognition at the opening ceremony was a fitting tribute to a young man whose kindness continues to make a difference.  

Make a difference through organ donation like Eashan  

Did you know that anyone, including children and young people, can join the NHS Organ Donor Register to save and improve lives?  

If you register as a donor, you could save and improve the lives of up to nine people, and even more if you also donate tissue.  

There are currently more than 8,000 people in need of a transplant to save or improve their lives. In the past year, more than 400 people died because they didn’t get the transplant they needed.  

More people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are receiving transplants than ever before, however, people with Black and Asian heritage still wait longer than White patients for a transplant. People can receive a transplant from someone of any ethnicity; however, the most suitable match is likely to come from a donor of the same ethnicity.  

The NHS Organ Donor Register is the only place to record your decision about organ donation and make your choices clear. Visit the website for more information: organdonation.nhs.uk