Wendell Raphael

ACLT nominate Wendell Raphael aka Raph 'Minus 1 Kidney' to be a Torchbearer due to his passion as a kidney donor who shares his lifesaving message to raise public awareness and confidence about organ, blood and bone marrow donation. He says 'Get more from life by giving; the healthy can help those who suffer and need a lifesaver" Raph selflessly offered friendship to help his colleague who struggled for years with painful dialysis for kidney failure. In May 2007, he made the lifesaving decision to donate a kidney. His Gift of Life is remarkable as donations from non-family members are less common Raph supports our challenge to educate, inspire and recruit UK lifesavers from minority ethnic communities to tackle the critical donor shortage and help us debunk cultural myths and fears Raph is a Community Champion, giving hours to promote and fundraise, from 10K runs to Marathons - all with just 1 kidney, showing us that donation is no barrier to an active life. Raph's talent is inspiring people to live their dream, beat their challenge and do something amazing for others - in person, photos, Facebook and www.minus1kidney.com. As an ACLT volunteer he trained as an educational presenter to give talks to 6th Formers in the 'Register & Be A Lifesaver' project run with Anthony Nolan, NHS Blood and Transplant Raph's values truly encompass those of the Games - Sport, Education and Culture. We support Raph's moment to continue to shine the light as part of the Olympic legacy