Large medal haul and broken records for Derriford patients at World Transplant Games

Three incredible individuals, who represented Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland at this year’s World Transplant Games, have returned with 13 medals between them. With one competitor breaking four records!

The Cornwall-based competitors, Tracy Carroll from Helston, Stephen Jarvis from St Austell and Terry Wright from Looe, are all recipients of kidney transplants at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

They competed in various events at the 21st Games in Malaga, held 25 June to 2 July.

Stephen, who received his transplant in 2004, competed in seven events, 5km time trial bike, 100m track, 200m track, 400m track, high jump, 100m relay and 400m relay, winning gold in all but one and breaking four records.

“It hasn’t sunk in!” he said, upon his return from the Games. “I’m extremely happy with what I’ve managed to achieve in Malaga, especially the 100m time, which I didn’t believe at the time. It’s also put me on an even par to compete in the World Masters next year.

“I’ve finally done what I wanted to do before my transplant; to be able to compete with the top athletes in the world, who are my age, without transplantation. Roll on 2018.”

Fellow competitor, Tracy, who received her transplant in 2011, has returned from her second World Games with four medals in swimming events. Two silver medals in 50m and 100m backstroke and two bronze medals in 50m and 100m freestyle.

Transplant Games competitor Tracy “I’m delighted with my performance at the World Games once again,” said Tracy. “The competition was of a very high standard, so to come away with four medals in my five events I couldn’t be happier.

“Once again, these games show the world what a wonderful gift organ donation can be and encourages more of the public to sign up to the organ donor register, which ultimately saves lives.”

This was the seventh time, third competitor Terry, who received his transplant in 2002, has represented Team GB at the World Transplant Games. He competed in 100m track, long jump, 5K walk, table tennis singles and table tennis mixed doubles, bringing home a silver and two bronze medals.

Claire West, Plymouth Team Deputy Manager, said: “The World Transplant Games really do represent the positive benefits of organ transplantation. Each of our competitors have overcome their own personal battles to be able to compete and become medal winners internationally in their disciplines, but this could not have been possible without the selfless acts of the donors and the donors families.”

The World Transplant Games, one of the largest multi-sports events, is held every two years and demonstrates the physical success of transplant surgery and the ability of transplant recipients to lead normal, healthy lives. The event aims to significantly enhance the understanding and acceptance of organ donation.

To register on the NHS Organ Donor Register, please telephone 0300 123 23 23, or go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk to register online. Most importantly, please discuss your wishes with your family and friends.

To join the bone marrow donor register or for further information go to http://www.anthonynolan.org/