WHEN Jacqui and Jerome Govere took the vows “in sickness and in health” they did not expect to be faced with a life-threatening condition.

Jerome was diagnosed with a kidney disorder but in 2009 his life was saved by his wife who donated her kidney to save him.

Jacqui, 57, was tested and her kidney turned out to be a perfect match for him.

She said: “I had watched my husband so poorly over many years, and the way the disease used to limit him in most things like food, travel, jobs, etc.

“I was determined to do something for him that would change his life forever, and donating a kidney was my best option.

“The joy of being a living donor is you watch the result of your action daily and it’s priceless.”

The Ocean Village woman is now set to be honoured at a appreciation dinner for the UK’s black donors, which aims to highlight the sacrifices they have made for their loved ones.

The charity Gift of Living Donation (GOLD), whose mission is to increase awareness of organ donation and living donation in particular, is putting on the event at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, on May 18.

Dela Idowu, GOLD founder, said: “It’s an opportunity to bring together black living donors in the UK and recognise and celebrate their acts of selfless kindness.

“The event is the first of its kind in the UK where donors and recipients can connect, share stories, positive insights and truly wonderful outcomes and feel part of a generous, altruistic community.”

The number of living organ donors from the black community is declining, mirroring the trend across all ethnicities.

Last year 17 black people donated kidneys as living donors, less than half the figure of five years earlier.

In contrast there are currently 632 black people waiting for transplants, with the vast majority of those in need of kidneys.

Last year 31 patients from black backgrounds died waiting for transplants.

The event aims to raise awareness of organ donation in black community and the need for more black donors especially since organ donation legislation has received its royal assent.

Lisa Burnapp, lead nurse living donation, NHS Blood Transplant said: “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the success of living donation and the difference it makes to people’s lives.

“‘Seeing is believing’.

“This appreciation dinner is a fantastic opportunity to say ‘thank you’.”