As you may well know, for the last two summers Team CM has headed off to the British Transplant Games. It’s a fantastic chance for all for of us to build a community and support network and this summer we’re going to Oxford to catch up with our liver family.

One evening last year (possibly fuelled by emotions, beer and tiredness!) someone had the ingenious idea to go big or go home and so in May John, seven other dads and one amazing tansplanted teenager will be cycling from London to Paris, over 400km over the course of 4 days.

And of course, in August Noah will be taking part in the obstacle course, sprint, long jump and ball throw. Harry will be aiming for a 3rd consecutive medal in the cup stacking and looking forward to rejoining the football team again. And of course we will all be “running” the Donor Run in memory of a very special individual who has kept our little family going.

People have been so very generous in previous years and we know it’s a lot to ask each year but every little helps and if you can give something, please do.

King’s runs the largest liver transplantation programme in Europe and carries out around 50 paediatric transplants per year. Although most children return to a normal life after transplant, they are left with scars, both physical and emotional.

Transplants are a treatment, not a cure. The children and young people on our team usually need lifelong medication, they have frequent hospital appointments, blood tests and other procedures, and are more susceptible to illness and infection.

For our young people the differences from their peers can make them feel isolated, and medical appointments and treatments can make it feel that they have no control over their own bodies. This can lead to poor body image and carries a risk of negative behavioural health outcomes, such as nonadherence to medication, missed medical appointments, and poor health.

Our team is about fun, friendship, and building vital support networks. Enabling children and young people to know they are not alone, they are not the only ones with scars and daily medication, or experiencing the side effects of transplantation.

Being part of the team provides support long after the event, and creates lifelong memories. Our team members come from across the UK, and beyond, and the Games are an important way to bring our families together. We want to reach more families and enable more children and young people to attend and share the benefits.

Please visit our social media to see quotes from families about how important the Games are to them. https://www.instagram.com/kingschildrensteam/

To find out more about the team please email team manager Jo Ramsay at kingschildrenstt@gmail.com.

For more information on the charity's support for the team please visit https://supportkings.org.uk/what-you-make-possible/difference-were-making/british-transplant-games.

We are fundraising for the British Transplant Games Fund D2338.