A team of UHP transplant patients recently headed to Nottingham for the British Transplant Games 2024.
Led by Team Manager Paul Tucker and Deputy Manager Claire West, the Devon and Cornwall Transplantees team brought a wide range of sporting prowess to the Games, competing in swimming, cycling, darts, tennis, walking, ball throwing, javelin and more.
The team took home an impressive tally of medals, winning in total 5 Golds, 7 Silvers and 8 Bronze medals. All competitors have had a lifesaving transplant, for example liver, kidney, lung, heart. Ages of competitors at this year’s games ranged from 22 months to 88 years, with participants competing in over 25 different sports over four days, each person representing the hospitals where they received their organ transplant. All of the Devon and Cornwall team had their transplants at UHP, and some are still followed up at the Trust.
Triathlete Stuart House received a lifesaving kidney from his Dad in 2006, and first competed in the Games in 2007, returning every year for 9 years. After a break to take time out for his new family, he returned this year. “I missed the Games, it’s such a good competition,” he said. “The atmosphere is really good, with such a range of competitors. Some people are there, just happy to be alive after their transplants, while others take it very seriously, and often go on to compete in the World games.” He returned in a blaze of glory, picking up 3 Silver medals and 1 bronze medal, in his events of swimming and cycling.
Matthew Powell received a right side kidney transplant in December 2022, and this was his first Games. “I’ve always loved sports – snooker, table tennis and darts – and my specialist team knew about my interests,” he explained. “At a specialist follow-up appointment they asked me how my sports were going, then a couple of weeks later, out of the blue, I got an invitation from Paul offering me a place in the 2024 Games.” Although he didn’t take any medals home, Matthew really enjoyed the experience and was pleased with what he achieved. “I’ll definitely be back for the Oxford games in 2025,” he said.
The British Transplant Games were established in 1979 to promote wellbeing and fitness post-transplant, and also to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. They have grown year on year – with the first event hosting just under 100 participants, and the latest, 2650.
Claire West, Research Delivery Manager at RDUH (eastern) and Deputy Team Manager of Devon and Cornwall Transplant Team, said: “This role in the team is a real privilege, as all the competitors are such an inspiration. They all have their own personal journeys and the British Transplant Games provide the opportunity to share those journeys with each other, as well promote organ donation and compete alongside other transplantees.
It was great to see new members join the team this year, as well as those who have competed previously and the amount of medals that the team won was outstanding.
“I would like to thank the sponsors of the Devon and Cornwall Transplant Team this year – Derriford Hospital Renal Unit and Exeter and District Kidney Patients’ Association, who provided funding for the accommodation, as well as as Summerskills Brewery who provided some of the kit.”