Southampton children's hospital patients triumph at British transplant games
A team of 15 young transplant patients from Southampton Children’s Hospital (SCH) have returned victorious from this year’s British Transplant Games – bringing home 40 medals in recognition of their incredible achievements.
Held in Oxford and organised by Transplant Sport and Westfield Health, the 2025 Games welcomed nearly 1,000 transplant recipients who competed across 26 events.
The annual celebration, now in its 47th year, champions the life-saving impact of organ donation and encourages transplant recipients to stay active, have fun and raise awareness.
‘Team Southampton’ included competitors aged six to 17, all of whom have received life-saving treatment at Southampton’s specialist nephrology unit, which supports children with acute and chronic kidney conditions.
The 63-strong team also included siblings, parents and hospital staff, making it a true team effort.
One of this year’s inspiring participants was six-year-old Haziel Poku, from Andover, who received a life-saving kidney transplant from his father in 2022.
Just four weeks after birth, Haziel was diagnosed with a common heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat abnormally fast. Complications led to kidney damage and, in 2021, he began dialysis treatment for four months while awaiting transplantation.
His father, Kwasi Poku, a staff sergeant in the British Army, said: “Haziel has been taking part in the Transplant Games since 2022 and the event has become a cherished highlight of our family’s year. His siblings, Annabel and Lily, are enthusiastic supporters and together with their mum and me, we make it a priority to be there – cheering everyone on. The sense of community is truly heartwarming.
“Haziel has come to understand that his condition reaches beyond the hospital walls. He looks forward to the Games each year – not just to compete, but to connect with other children who share similar experiences. His resilience is remarkable and we couldn’t be prouder of him.”
He added: “The Southampton renal team has been exceptionally supportive throughout our journey. Their unwavering dedication has given us strength during the most challenging times.”
The team delivered its most successful performance to date, securing an impressive haul of 22 gold, five silver and 13 bronze medals – 13 more than last year.
Sarah Grylls, clinical nurse specialist in paediatric nephrology at SCH, said: “This event brings immense joy to the children, their siblings and parents – families who face many challenges in their everyday lives. It also offers vital peer support in the often isolating world of chronic illness.
“It's a huge privilege for the staff at SCH to be part of such a meaningful and uplifting occasion. A big thank you to all our supporters who helped make it possible.”
The children’s kidney unit in Southampton is one of just 13 specialist centres across the UK, serving a population of more than eight million people. Currently, over 6,000 individuals in the UK are waiting for a kidney transplant, with children typically facing an average wait of more than two years.
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, DP World, Southampton Hospitals Charity and the many families who continue to fundraise within their communities to make events like this possible.
Ellis Banfield, chief executive of Southampton Hospitals Charity, said: “We are proud and grateful to continue supporting our remarkable young transplant patients from Southampton Children’s Hospital.
“Their determination and strength is a powerful reminder of why we’re committed to improving care and experiences for patients and families. We’re proud to help make opportunities like this possible.”
