In February, Rushcliffe Local News reported on local resident Mark Brown who was going to Canada to take part in this year’s Winter World Transplant Games as a member of Team GB.
Mark from Grange Avenue Ruddington had a life-saving kidney transplant 25 years ago. The 52-year-old took part as a member of Team Great Britain in the downhill & curling events. This was the 8th Winter Games that Mark had took part in.
The Winter Transplant Games provides a wonderful opportunity for transplant athletes to enjoy their new lease of life and to demonstrate the benefits of organ donation. Team GB, managed by Transplant Sport (TSUK), the charity responsible for the British Transplant Games, range in age from 17-year-old George, a kidney transplant recipient, to Sue, a heart transplant recipient, who is 67 years young.
This year’s games took place from 23rd – 28th February and Mark wanted to update us on how the event went with photos and results.
On the coach out of Banff, Mark contacted Rushcliffe Local News and said: “Team GB achieved 29 medals – this being the first games when all of the individuals won a medal.
“Unfortunately, none of us actually have a medal to show as they’re all stuck in China in a container due to the Coronavirus!”
“I was part of the curling team and GB beat three Canadian teams, one USA team and an international team in the round robin. In the gold/silver playoff we were beaten into the silver medal position by an accomplished Canadian team.”
“Whilst it’s great to win medals, the publicity from this international event will hopefully encourage others to sign on to the Organ Donor Register, but most importantly, discuss their final wishes now with their families”
About Transplant Sport
Transplant Sport is the charity which organizes sports and social events for transplant recipients to demonstrate the benefits of organ donation and prove that you can lead a normal and active life again after transplantation. Transplant Sport host the British Transplant Games every year and participants of all ages and ability enjoy taking part in over 20 different events. For more information visit: https://transplantsport.org.uk
NHS Organ Donor Register -Transplant patients owe their lives to the generosity of others, who donate the ‘Gift of Life’. Please help to raise public awareness about transplantation and sign up on the Organ Donor register. To register, and for more information please go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk, or contact the NHS Organ Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23
To join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow donor register or for further information go to http://www.anthonynolan.org/
