SW Competitors triumph at British Transplant Games
Team Plymouth scooped a total of 25 medals at this year’s Westfield Health British Transplant Games – a great effort and five more gold medals than last year.
The 15 gold, six silver and four bronze medals were won by the seven competitors who represented Team Plymouth. All aged between 35 and 70, they have received a life-saving kidney transplant at Derriford Hospital.
This year’s games were held in Liverpool from July 28 to August 1 and were the largest for several years, with more than 900 competitors taking part. Events included swimming, ten-pin bowling, crown green bowls, tennis, archery, badminton, walking, track & field athletic events, basketball and cycling.
Claire West, Plymouth Hospitals Research Nurse Specialist and Deputy Team Manager, said: “The large amount of competitors highlights the benefit of organ donation. This is a truly emotional, inspiring event. When the donor families walk into the Opening Ceremony, they always receive a standing ovation for their selfless decision of deciding to donate their loved ones organs.”
Janet Jenkins, Team Manager, won two gold medals and two bronze medals in athletic field events. She said: “The 2016 Games were my 14th after having my transplant in 2002.
“I’m so proud of the team this year and everyone came home to the South West with a medal, plus Steve Jarvis for winning the Victrix Ludorum Trophy for the best male athlete in his age group. Also, five members of the team, which include some of the team supporters, entered the Donor Run which is an open event to the public. This is an opportunity to promote organ donation.
“There are so many people to thank for me being able to have this ‘second chance’ to live, but really the only person I want to give my whole hearted thanks to is my donor for signing the organ donor register and not forgetting their family for granting their wishes.
“By just being at the games, you’re already a winner by receiving a transplant. I wish to encourage as many transplant recipients as possible to attend the British Transplant Games. You don’t have to be sporty and there is an event for all to try. What a way to ‘show off’ the benefits of organ donation!”
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. Since 1978, the 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.
The team would like to thank all supporters and sponsors, including Derriford Hospital Renal Department and the Bay Horse Inn in Totnes, as well as the many people who have worked hard in the various and ingenious fundraising events to raise funds to get the team to the games.
To join the NHS Organ Donor Register and help save lives TEXT: SAVE to 62323; call 0300 123 2323 or visit http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/.
