James, age 15, has been selected to represent the in the World Transplant Games, celebrating the gift of life and raising awareness both here in the and internationally, of the need for organ donors.

When James was born he was critically ill due to kidney failure and after being rushed toin it became clear he would need a transplant.

Much of his early life was spent in and out of hospital. James was fed by tube and had associated complications which resulted in a lot of pain and a number of operations. By 2001 his condition was such that he was confined to a push chair for much of the time. Despite this he was awarded Eastbourne’s Young Achiever after being nominated by Pashley Down Primary School because of his ‘sunny nature, determination, courage and his support of other children’.

In June the same year James received his transplant, donated by his Mum, Lisa. The change was fantastic. Within a few days, having eaten nothing before and at the age of 7 and a half, he ate his first meal!

Whilst there were a number of complications and fear of rejection of the new kidney, in the first year after the transplant he was able to learn to ride a bike and swim.

Now at secondary school (,) James has a great group of friends who are very important to him. He loves playing cricket and badminton. PE and Maths are his favourite subjects. He has played cricket for Glynde and a school team, and plays for Hailsham Table Tennis Club.

James has continued to be successful at the Transplant Games each year. The medal total is now 22 from 6 British games! Taking part with other children who have similar issues has been very important particularly as he becomes a self aware teenager. As with many of the other children, the Games are a chance to forget hospital and celebrate the life the transplant has given him.

In 2007 James received the honour of representing at the World Transplant Games in . He was one of the youngest children ever to be asked and was very proud to achieve 2 gold medals (in table tennis and badminton), a silver in tennis and bronze in the ball throw. This was an amazing experience and James made friends with children form all around the world. Nothing beets the feeling of being a ‘World Champion’ but taking part was a dream come true!

James has used his experience, confidence and all the hard work he put into training to help coach other children in tennis, which he finds very rewarding.

Following 2 gold medals in this year’s National games in Sheffield (despite injury just before the games), James has been given the chance again to represent Great Britain in the World Transplant Games in Australia in 2009. He is very excited, proud and looking forward to catching up with his friends from around the world. He is already working hard on training!

The Games are a celebration of life and James’ participation in this event will demonstrate how fit and well transplant recipients can be following their transplant surgery. There is a desperate shortage of donor organs. James hopes to encourage as many people as possible to join the NHS Organ Donor Register to save more lives.

Supported by the International Olympic Committee, the World Transplant Games, which is held every two years, represent the largest organ donor awareness event in the world, featuring a nine day series of sporting events. The UK Team of 150 athletes will join over 1000 others from some 55 countries across the globe, all of whom have undergone an organ transplant.  The standard is high!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Transplant Sport gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

James’ target of £3,500 for fundraising is a collective target for a parent to attend as he is under 18 years of age and unable to travel without a chaperone, and would like them to share his special experience and be there to support him. In addition this total includes the costs of the following aspects of my training, preparation and participation at WTG:

                        Competitor Flight

Competitor WTG Package (8 nights) plus required additional accommodation, up to 12 nights

Team Kit and equipment

Travel to and from Team Training Meetings

Training costs-eg fees and coaching costs

Insurance

Travel to and from departure airport in the

WTG Administration Fee-£50 per competitor/£25 per supporter/Max £100 per family for juniors

Please note that the fundraising proceeds will not cover the cost of any holiday before or after participation at WTG nor will it be used as personal spending money, and any surplus money raised will go to support the British Teenage Transplant Team.

So please sponsor James now!