Going for gold at the British Transplant Games
30 July 2016
A team of adults and a team of children from the Trust saw tremendous success competing at the British Transplant Games in Liverpool.
Hundreds of transplant recipients and live donors form across the country attended the feel-good sporting event, which boasts strong but friendly competition between the UK’s transplant units. The Leeds delegation comprised of dozens of patients and former patients who had benefitted from the amazing work which takes place at St James’s and the Leeds Children’s Hospital.
On top of great atmosphere, LTHT teams came away with a raft of medals. The children’s team brought home 42 in total - 17 Gold, 14 Silver and 11 Bronze – while the adults achieved an impressive 30, including 12 Gold.
There was further cause for celebration when adult patient Catherine Whitworth went on to win the Best Female Veteran Trophy at the gala dinner ceremony and Emily Austin was named the best participant under the age of five.
Lisa Beaumont, Play Specialist Team Leader and one of the children’s delegation’s organisers, said: “What these amazing individuals can achieve after major transplant surgery is simply incredible. It’s great to be able to take a moment to celebrate them and their efforts. It’s clear that family and friends and mums and dads who come along to support are so proud of our competitors.
“Being responsible for the children’s team, it was wonderful to see them enjoying sport. It certainly is a great testament to organ transplantation and the skills of our surgeons and everyone involved in the wider transplant teams here at LTHT and right across the UK.
“As much fun as the event is, it’s always important to think of those donors - who in their final moments gave the gift of life - and their families who made life-enhancing decisions at an incredibly difficult time.”
“Everyone is already getting excited and organised for next year's games in Scotland. On top of this, a number of the children and adults who took part this year will be heading over to the world games in Spain next year as part of team GB.”
