The British Transplant Games are the flagship project of the charity Transplant Sport and have been in existence for over 30 years when the first “Transplant Olympics” took place in Portsmouth in 1978. At that time, these Games were an international event and included teams from France, Greece and even the USA.

Since these early beginnings with competitors, affectionately known as “99 blooming miracles”, the Games have grown and are held every year in different cities throughout the UK. The British Transplant Games have been staged annually since 1978 in 17 host cities across the UK including Portsmouth (1994), Edinburgh (2007), Belfast (1998) Medway (2012), Sheffield (2013), Bolton (2014), NewcastleGateshead (2015) & Liverpool (2016).

The Games aim to demonstrate the benefits of transplantation, encouraging transplant patients to regain fitness, whilst increasing public awareness of the need for more people to join the NHS Organ Donation Register and discuss their wishes with their families. They also seek to thank and celebrate donor families and the gift of life.

The 2018 Games will be held in Birmingham 2nd August – 5th August.

I have participated in the games on numerous occasions previously and have been particularly successful. In 2011 I was picked to represent Great Britain at the world transplant games in Sweden due to having a successful games in Belfast, winning 5 gold medals and best overall athlete in my category.

This year will be different due to the change in my health recently. In previous years I have not been on dialysis and have taken part in events I know I could of. Unfortunately this year my options are limited but I am still going to participate in the less energetic events.

Any monies to help towards taking part in my home games would be greatly appreciated and my efforts will be 100% to bring home that gold!!