Just to fill you in on why we are raising money....
Ellen was born 11 weeks early on 8th April 1998 along with her two brothers Thomas and George. Unfortunately Thomas was very unwell and died aged 4 months.
Ellen suffered kidney failure when she was 5 days old and we were told to expect the worst. She was very unwell.
However, due to excellent medical care she pulled through and managed well taking only medication for 13 years.
She was tired a lot and struggled at school but managed well. Her kidney function deteriorated further in 2011 and she was placed on the kidney donor waiting list.
She also started dialysis which we did at home overnight.
Ellen received a new kidney following a call on 23rd December 2012. This wonderful gift gave Ellen a new lease of life...she has endless energy and is speeding ahead with her studies and generally enjoying her second chance at life!! She did amazing in her GCSE's and A levels and has just started at Plymouth University studying Psychology.
In 2013 Ellen took part in the British Transplant Games in Sheffield, 8 months post transplant, along with other young transplantees. She has competed in subsequent years winning medals in her swimming events.
In 2015 she was selected to represent Great Britain in the World Transplant Games in Argentina. This was an amazing opportunity and wonderful experience for Ellen. She met and competed against many wonderful and inspirational transplant athletes all of whom compete to raise awareness of the benefits of organ donation and pay tribute to their donors. She won 6 gold medals and was given an award for 'Outstanding Female Junior Athlete'. She dedicated her success to her donor and their brave family.
Ellen has again been selected to represent Team GB at the 2017 World Transplant Games in Malaga. We are raising money to get her to the games where she can continue to demonstrate the benefits of organ donation and raise awareness for this important cause.