Walker heads organ donor drive

Comedian Curtis Walker is to spearhead a government campaign to encourage black people to donate their organs when they die.

The drive, called Be Part Of The Solution, kicks off with poster and radio advertisemetns on Monday.

Last year, just six organ donors were African-Caribbean. Yet black people are three time as likely to develop kidney failure than white people.

Health minister Jacqui Smith said: "The campaign will encourage discussion and debate within the black community, in a bid to raise the profile of the issue.

Walke, who has appeared on The Real McCoy and The Lenny Henry Show, said: "When I heard the facts I knew this was a very serious issue for the black community. So I wanted to add my voice and encourage people to become part of the solution"

The campaign will initially run in Greater London and the West Midlands.

Published: 21 Mar 2002