Community-created mural unveiled to champion blood and organ donation in Luton

The artwork, titled Luton Lifelines, has been created to raise awareness of blood and organ donation, particularly within Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities where donation rates remain lower and the need for donors is greater.

The mural was officially unveiled on Saturday 27 June by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada alongside Deputy Mayor of Luton, Councillor Fatima Begum, who is an organ recipient, at a community celebration attended by residents, community groups and project partners.

Funded through an NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Community Grant and the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the two-year project set out to encourage conversations around blood and organ donation by bringing people together through creativity. Community workshops were held across the town, including at CYCD, Guru Nanak Gurdwara, the Biscot Peace and Wellbeing Hub, which is part of Equality Primary Care Network and St Andrew's Church. During these sessions, residents shared stories, ideas, drawings and personal reflections that helped shape the final artwork.

The resulting mural sits proudly on the exterior wall of Luton Central Library, stretching approximately 30 metres and is rooted entirely in the voices of local people.

At the centre of the artwork is a large heart representing both love and organ donation. Running through it is a lifeline carrying the words "The Gift of Life" in English, Urdu, Polish, Romanian, Bengali, Punjabi and Gujarati, reflecting the diversity of Luton’s communities. Surrounding the heart are helping hands taken directly from people who attended the creative sessions, alongside drawings, words and quotes gathered from participants throughout the project.

The artwork celebrates the idea that when many helping hands come together, they have the power to make a real difference.

Alongside the mural project, the University of Bedfordshire delivered an NHSBT- funded community engagement programme led by student ambassadors. Guided by Professor Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health and Dr Britzer Paul Vincent, the ambassadors worked closely with local residents, faith groups and community organisations to encourage conversations about organ donation. They attended community sessions throughout the project, helping facilitate discussions, answer questions and support residents wishing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.

One of the quotes featured on the mural comes from local resident Bobby Mudhar, whose brother Mandip became an organ donor after his death. Reflecting on his family's experience, Bobby said: "It gave us some positivity out of tragedy, and it was the right thing to do."

Councillor Tahmina Saleem, Leader of Luton Council, said: "Luton is a town built on the strength of its communities, and this artwork reflects that perfectly. Luton Lifelines celebrates our diversity while encouraging important conversations that have the potential to save lives. We are proud to have supported a project that has brought so many people together for such an important cause."

Harry van de Bospoort, Director of Hospital Art Studio and lead artist for the project, said: "From the beginning, this project was never just about creating a mural. It was about creating conversations. Every hand, drawing, word and story within the artwork has come directly from local people. We hope it stands as both a celebration of the generosity of donors and a reminder of the life-saving impact that blood and organ donation can have."

Professor Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire, said: "This project demonstrates the importance of working alongside communities to address health inequalities. Through our student ambassador programme, we have been able to support meaningful conversations about organ donation in trusted community settings. Luton Lifelines has brought together research, education, creativity and lived experience to create a lasting legacy that will continue encouraging those conversations long into the future."

Suzanne Roe, Head of Community Engagement at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Right now across the UK, over 8,300 people are waiting for an organ transplant, and many more are dependent on regular blood transfusions, including thousands living with sickle cell or thalassaemia. These people depend on the generosity of others to give hope and the chance of life. Projects such as Luton Lifelines play an important role in encouraging conversations within communities, helping people understand the impact of donation and inspiring them to start giving blood and share their organ donation decision with their loved ones."

The project has brought together local residents, donor families, transplant recipients, community leaders, faith organisations, healthcare professionals, university students and volunteers in a shared effort to increase awareness of donation and encourage life-saving conversations.

While the mural now stands as a feature in the town, the partners hope its impact will continue long into the future. Although England now operates an opt-out system for organ donation, families are still consulted before donation can proceed. For this reason, it remains vitally important that people record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and discuss their decision with their loved ones. Registering a decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and talking openly with family members can help ensure those wishes are understood and respected.

The project also aims to encourage more people to consider becoming blood donors, helping to ensure patients across the country continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Through art, conversation and community engagement, Luton Lifelines hopes to inspire more people to learn about donation, make informed choices and recognise the extraordinary difference that a single act of generosity can make.

To register an organ and tissue donation decision, visit organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 or use the NHS app. To register to donate blood, visit www.blood.co.uk.