SW competitors head for British Transplant Games

This Wednesday, a team and supporters from the South West will be heading to Liverpool to compete at the British Transplant Games. British Transplant Games

All seven competitors have received a life-saving kidney transplant at Derriford Hospital. From July 28 to August 1 they will be taking part in a huge variety of events including swimming, bowling, tennis, archery, badminton, shot putt, high jump, walking, track events, and cycling.

Since 1978, the British Transplant Games have been held annually at various locations throughout the UK. They are designed to highlight the benefits of transplantation and increase public awareness of the need for more people to join the NHS Organ Donation Register and to discuss their wishes with their families.

Claire West, Plymouth Hospitals Research Nurse Specialist and Deputy Team Manager, said: “The British Transplant Games are held annually and show what a difference a transplant can make to an individual’s life. Some transplant recipients have been incredibly unwell prior to their transplant and the prospect of just walking to the other side of the room was inconceivable, so being able to take part in competitive events against other transplant recipients and lead a normal life demonstrates the benefit and importance of transplantation.

“The team would like to thank all sponsors, including Derriford Hospital Renal Department and Bay Horse Inn, Totnes and I would encourage everyone to think about signing the organ donation register and think about the difference it can make to someone’s future.”

The Westfield Health British Transplant Games, organised by the charity Transplant Sport, is one of the largest annual multi-sports events in the United Kingdom.

At last year’s event in Bolton, the South West team brought home an impressive haul of 10 gold, nine silver and six bronze medals, plus a trophy for the best male athlete in his age group.

This year’s members include Tracy Carroll from Helston; John Wollington from Plymouth; Paul Tucker from Dartmouth; Terry Wright from Looe; Keith Parsons from Plymouth; Steve Jarvis from St Austell and Janet Jenkins from Plymouth, who is also the Team Manager.

To find out more about the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, please visit www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk and to find out more about joining the NHS Organ Donor Register, please visit http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/