Brave Bradford teenager Romesa Mazhar is awaiting her fourth transplant operation in a bid to save her life.

The 14-year-old, who has already undergone three liver transplants over the last six years, must now undergo a kidney transplant.

But she faces a wait of up to two years because of a lack of suitable donors, particularly from the Asian community.

Her family, who live in Bradford Road, Frizinghall, must carry a pager with them at all times to allow them to be alerted when a suitable kidney becomes available.

Her kidneys have been damaged by side- effects caused by the anti-rejection drugs she has been taking since her liver transplants.

Her father Mazhar Hussain said: "It is a pity after all she has gone through that she has to go through this, too.

"She was well and even attended school regularly. She goes to Beckfoot School in Bingley and she loves it. She is keen on sports and was very active.

"But now she is just waiting for the right match of kidney. She doesn't sit back and say 'Why me?' She just gets on with it.

"But she does keep saying, 'I don't want to die. I just want to live.' It's heartbreaking for us but we will do all we can for her."

The news comes ahead of a conference in Bradford which will look at the issue of a shortage of organ donors from the Asian community.

Up to 300 delegates from across the country will meet at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television on Monday, March 20 to discuss the ethical and religious issues surrounding the donating of organs. Many Asian people have traditionally been opposed to donating organs but doctors hope to persuade more people to become donors.

Mazhar Hussain, who plans to contact the organisers of the conference to see if he can attend, said: "This is a very difficult subect and needs to be dealt with sensitively. I have sought advice from scholars and the advice I get is unclear.

"All I know is that it would help Romesa if the kidney she eventually receives comes from an Asian donor because it means rejection is less likely."

Romesa, who has a brother Kabeel, nine, was taken ill at birth with a liver disease, cryptogenic cirrhosis. She underwent three liver transplants - the last and most successful was six years ago at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. The first two failed when her body rejected the organs. She recently began to suffer pain and doctors diagnosed kidney failure, meaning a transplant is necessary.

She goes to Leeds three times a week for dialysis and she is on a strict diet which bars foods including tomato, salt, banana and curry powder.

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