After surviving two liver transplants in one week in 2013, I am very proud to be planning to represent Team GB once again at the forthcoming European Transplant Games in Lisbon, Portugal on 21-28 July 2024.

These Games raise the awareness of organ transplantation and help spread the message about the importance of organ donation and the benefits of receiving an organ.

As Team GB Competitors do not receive financial support, I’m fund-raising for Transplant Sport UK and this will help me with the costs for travel, accommodation, insurance, registration, kit and training.

Since discovering Transplant Sport in 2018, I have been involved in representing both the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Team GB at the British, European and World Transplant Games.

I compete in my favourite sport of Table Tennis and I am proud to have won Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals at these competitions.

My Story….

In 2013, I suddenly became ill and was admitted to Warwick Hospital for investigation. My general condition was absolutely fine but my jaundice indicated that something was seriously wrong. In order for me to receive the best possible treatment, I was transferred under blue lights to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

I became increasingly concerned about my deteriorating condition and my worst fears became true when the Doctors confirmed that I would need an urgent liver transplant to save my life. I was totally shocked!

I was placed on the super-urgent waiting list in the hope that a suitable liver could be found in time. Fortunately, after just 48 hours a donor was found and I underwent my life saving operation.

Unfortunately, after just a few days, my transplanted liver failed and, after being placed back onto the super-urgent waiting list, another donor was found and I underwent my second liver transplant.

After my two transplants, my condition was extremely poor as I lost my mobility and I felt a completely different person compared to how I felt a week before. My road to recovery was extremely long and difficult and I am grateful to all the medical professionals that eventually helped me to get back to my normal life!

I am really fortunate to be alive and I encourage everyone to discuss and share the importance of Organ Donation. I now live a second life thanks to my Donor. Saying thank you to my Donor just isn't enough.

I am only alive today because of a very kind Lady who was on the Donor Register. I am so grateful and want to give something back as a way of saying thank you. No words are enough to express my feelings, to explain what the value of my new life is. My donated organ is my treasure and a true gift of life.

Thank you for reading my story.

Boryana x