Tîm Trawsblaniad Cymru Triumphs at the 2024 British Transplant Games
Tîm Trawsblaniad Cymru (Wales Transplant Team) made history at the 2024 British Transplant Games in Nottingham this August, achieving their most successful performance to date. The team, comprising transplant recipients, live donors, and supporters, brought home an impressive 51 medals, including 17 golds, 21 silvers, and 13 bronzes, marking a new milestone in their journey.
The Welsh Transplant Team is a unique group of individuals who have undergone life-saving transplants and live donors who have given the gift of life. Their participation in the British Transplant Games serves as a celebration of life post-transplant, promoting organ donation awareness, and demonstrating the incredible impact of transplantation. The team’s mission extends beyond competition; they aim to inspire others by showing how regular exercise, athletic success, and team spirit can lead to a fulfilling life after transplantation.
This year, the team was composed of 29 adult competitors, five adult live donors, five child competitors, and one child live donor, supported by over 60 enthusiastic supporters. The competitors represent a range of transplants, including kidney, pancreas, simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK), heart, and bone marrow/stem cell transplants. Each member’s participation highlights the life-saving power of organ donation and the transformative potential of transplantation.
The British Transplant Games is an annual event that brings together transplant recipients, live donors, and their supporters from across the UK. It celebrates the life-changing effects of organ donation, raises awareness, and showcases the resilience and strength of transplant recipients. This year’s event not only saw Tîm Trawsblaniad Cymru excel in competition but also fostered a sense of community and support, evidenced by the 19 social medals awarded to the team.
Nick Topley, the Chairperson of Tîm Trawsblaniad Cymru, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements: “To see so many transplant recipients, live donors, supporters, and family members participating in the games under the Team Wales umbrella is incredible. Not only in athletic achievement but in an atmosphere of support and incredible camaraderie. Team Wales must be developed to support the whole ‘transplant family,’ facilitating physical and mental well-being whilst spreading its key messages about organ donation and a full life after transplant.”
Kidney Wales were pleased to be one of the sponsors of Tîm Trawsblaniad Cymru this year playing a crucial role in increasing the participation of transplant recipients in the British Transplant Games, both now and for the future. Additionally, funding provided by Kidney Wales, will be used to help to establish sport taster sessions, allowing transplant recipients to explore various activities in a safe and supportive environment under the supervision of professional coaches. It is hoped that this initiative will not only encourage greater involvement in the future, but also provided a valuable opportunity for participants to discover new sports and stay active post-transplant.
Join the Wales Transplant Team
Are you a transplant recipient in Wales who would like to join our team? We welcome new members and would love to have you be part of our inspiring community. Competing in events like the British Transplant Games is a fantastic way to celebrate your second chance at life, stay active, and connect with others who have shared similar experiences.
To learn more about joining the Wales Transplant Team, please email [email protected].
