Southampton Children’s Hospital celebrates success at British Transplant Games
A team of 14 young transplant recipients from Southampton Children's Hospital (SCH) has returned home from this year's British Transplant Games after a weekend of sporting success, friendship and determination.
The annual Games bring together transplant recipients, living donors, donor families and supporters from across the UK to celebrate the life-changing impact of organ donation through sport.
This year's event, held in Sheffield, saw Team Southampton compete across a range of disciplines, including athletics, swimming and table tennis, returning home with an impressive medal haul of 8 gold, 5 silver and 13 bronze medals.
The team's success reflects not only their sporting achievements, but also the resilience, courage and determination shown by the young people and families who have experienced transplantation.
Alongside the young transplant recipients, the remainder of the 42-strong Southampton team was made up of parents, siblings, relatives and friends, highlighting the vital role that families and support networks play before, during and after transplantation.
One of the team's young transplant recipients, Dexter Clarke, aged 11, from Reading, received a kidney transplant at the age of two. Dexter was born with significant chronic kidney disease and after two years of treatment by the specialist children’s kidney team in Southampton he required a transplant.
His mother, Emily, said: "This is the fourth Transplant Games we have attended. Before Dexter’s transplant, life was very difficult, with frequent hospital visits and many challenging situations. Events like this provided a chance for fun, celebration and success, which can be incredibly important during tough times.
"These Games mean so much because they give people a sense of belonging and community. They show that transplant recipients are not defined by their illness and can go on to achieve amazing things."
For many of the children and families who took part, the Games provided an opportunity to celebrate life after transplantation, build friendships and connect with others who had shared similar experiences, while highlighting the importance of organ donation.
Staff from Southampton Children's Hospital led the planning and coordination of the team's participation in the Games, supporting children and families every step of the way, from preparing for the event to accompanying the team to Sheffield and celebrating their achievements throughout the weekend.
Sarah Grylls, clinical nurse specialist in paediatric nephrology at Southampton Children's Hospital, said: "We couldn't be prouder of our Team Southampton competitors. Every child who took part showed incredible determination, sportsmanship and enthusiasm throughout the weekend.
"The Games are a powerful reminder of the life-changing and life-saving impact of organ donation. We are hugely grateful to donors and their families for making these opportunities possible. Thank you to whole team for getting us here!"
The Games concluded with the Donor Run, a 2.5km or 5km event held in recognition of organ donors and donor families. The run is a longstanding feature of the British Transplant Games and reflects the central role of donation in making transplantation possible.
Participation in the Transplant Games would not be possible without the support of organisations and individuals. Key supporters include Kidney Care UK, the Wessex Kidney Patient Association and Southampton Hospitals Charity and the many families who continue to fundraise within their communities to make events like this possible.
A team led by Dr Shuman Haq, consultant paediatric nephrologist at Southampton Children’s Hospital, took part in an incredible 100-mile cycle ride to help raise funds for competitors attending the Transplant Games.
Beth Hall, director of operations and resources, Southampton Hospitals Charity, said: "We are proud to be associated with this inspirational event, which gives Southampton's amazing patients, families and donors an opportunity to come together and celebrate the life-changing power of organ donation."
The British Transplant Games also serve as an opportunity to raise awareness of organ donation and the vital contribution made by both deceased and living donors. Recording a decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and sharing those wishes with family and loved ones can help ensure they are understood and respected.
