‘Gift of Life’ mural unveiled in Luton to encourage more people to become blood and organ donors

A striking new community-designed mural has been unveiled in Luton in the hope it will inspire more people to become blood and organ donors and help save lives.

The 30-metre artwork, titled Luton Lifelines, now stretches across the outside wall of Luton Central Library in St George’s Square after being officially unveiled on Saturday by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, and Luton Deputy Mayor, Councillor Fatima Begum, who is herself an organ transplant recipient.

Created through a two-year community project, the mural aims to raise awareness of blood and organ donation, particularly among Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, where donation rates remain lower despite a greater need for donors.

Rather than being designed by artists alone, the mural has been shaped by local residents through workshops held across the town at community venues including CYCD, Guru Nanak Gurdwara, the Biscot Peace and Wellbeing Hub and St Andrew’s Church.

Participants shared personal stories, artwork and reflections, all of which have been incorporated into the finished design.

At the heart of the mural is a large heart symbolising both love and organ donation, with a lifeline running through it bearing the words “The Gift of Life” in English, Urdu, Polish, Romanian, Bengali, Punjabi and Gujarati to reflect Luton’s diverse communities.

Helping hands printed throughout the artwork were created by residents who took part in the workshops, alongside drawings, messages and quotes gathered during the project.

One of those featured is 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.”

Luton Council leader Tahmina Saleem said the artwork reflected the town’s community spirit while encouraging conversations that could save lives.

She 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.”

The project was led by Hospital Art Studio with funding from an NHS Blood and Transplant Community Grant and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Lead artist Harry van de Bospoort said the mural was about much more than creating a piece of public art.

He 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.”

Alongside the artwork, the University of Bedfordshire ran a community engagement programme, with student ambassadors working alongside residents, faith groups and community organisations to encourage discussions about organ donation and help people join the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Professor Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health at the university, said the project showed the value of working directly with communities to tackle health inequalities.

He said: “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.”

According to NHS Blood and Transplant, more than 8,300 people across the UK are currently waiting for an organ transplant, while thousands more rely on regular blood transfusions, including many people living with sickle cell disorder and thalassaemia.

Although England now operates an opt-out system for organ donation, families are still consulted before donation can go ahead. The partners behind the project are encouraging people to register their wishes and discuss their decision with loved ones, while also considering becoming blood donors.

The mural is intended to stand as a permanent reminder of the difference a single donation can make, while celebrating the generosity and diversity of Luton’s communities.