Addenbrooke Transplant Games Team - March 11 - Press Releases - LIVING SPORT

Addenbrooke Transplant Games Team - March 11

HELP ADDENBROOKE’S TRANSPLANT GAMES TEAM GO TO BELFAST!

This August, the Addenbrookes Transplant Games Team1 is looking to compete at the British Transplant Games2 in Belfast. However, attending the British Transplant Games is expensive and they need your help and support to get them there! 

The Addenbrookes Transplant Games Team is a team of competitors aged 25 to 82 years old who have all had either a kidney or liver transplant. They compete every year at the Games and are ‘looking for any sponsorship, big or small, towards costs’ says Nina Herbert, Team Manager and Sister at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. They have been saving up, sending out letters to companies and contacting everyone they know. If the team can’t find any extra funding, competitors won’t be able to attend!

Sarah Smith, a competitor who had a kidney transplant expressed how much the Games mean to her: ‘Competing in the transplant games means I am able to show how fit and active I am following my kidney transplant.  It helps to demonstrate how transplantation does work, and without the amazing gift from donors, and the signing of the organ donor card3, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today, and able to live a healthy, happy life. The games give hope and encouragement to others currently less fortunate, that there is light at the end of the tunnel.’

The team participates in a number of different disciplines: track and field, swimming, golf, canoeing, table tennis, tennis, badminton, mini-marathon, walking; and volleyball of which they are the 2010 Gold Medallists. Moreover, 10 of their competitors will be representing Great-Britain at the World Transplant Games4 in Sweden this June.

For more information or if you’re interested in sponsoring/fundraising, please contact the Team Manager Nina Herbert on 07967300557 or email terry-herbert@tiscali.co.uk

                               -            ENDS           -

Further information/Notes to Editor

1. The Addenbrookes Transplant Games Team is a voluntary organisation, registered under the Addenbrookes Liver Transplant Association and the Addenbrookes Kidney Patient Association. The team was established in 1978 same as the Transplant Sport UK charity. Their aim is to raise awareness about life-saving transplants and promoting healthy lifestyles. This is a great team to meet new people who shared the same life experiences. Anyone can join the team as long as they had a transplant at Addenbrookes or are being care for by the Hospital. A new website  is currently being designed. In the meanwhile, please visit: http://www.transplantsport.org.uk/page.asp?section=0001000100280018&sectionTitle=Addenbrookes+Team
2. The British Transplant Games are organised on behalf of the Transplant Sport UK (TSUK). Over the past 30 years, the British Transplant Games has grown to a four day annual event for over 600 competitors and nearly 1000 supporters. The aim of The Games is to encourage transplant patients to regain fitness and to promote friendship and co-operation between individuals concerned with transplantation, whilst increasing public awareness of the value of organ donation. More information available on  http://www.transplantsport.org.uk/
3. The NHS Organ Donor Register is a national, confidential list of people who are willing to become donors after their death. Putting your name on the NHS Organ Donor Register makes everyone aware of your wishes and makes it easier for them to agree to your donation.Millions of people carry donor cards or are on the register. Join them. The easiest way is to join online on http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk
4. The World Transplant Games Federation purpose is to publicly and visibly demonstrate the benefits of successful organ transplant, working to increase public awareness of transplants and thereby increasing organ donation, as well as promoting the full rehabilitation and wellbeing of our participants. World Transplant Games are organised every two years in countries around the world.

More information available on http://www.transplantsport.org.uk

Edit Article