A sporting celebration to herald the gift of life
Competitors from the ages of two to 82 descended on Bath at the weekend for a special sporting celebration to herald the gift of life.
The four-day British Transplant Games saw athletes from across the county who have all had some kind of transplant compete against each other.
From swimming to cycling, and lawn bowls to table tennis, there was something to suit all ages and abilities.
The Transplant Games, organised by Transplant Sport UK, take place in a different city each year, and this year came to Bath for the second time, with the first being back in 2006.
The event aims to celebrate the courage and bravery of the transplant recipient, as well as remember those who donated organs.
People who have had a transplant can compete in one of the 53 teams, usually picking the team closest to the hospital where their operation took place.
A variety of different sports took place across the city, mainly at the University of Bath and Royal Victoria Park.
George Mackey, 66, came all the way from Northern Ireland to take part in the Games.
He competed as part of the Freemans Adults team in archery.
George had a heart transplant in October 2002, and this is the fourth time he has taken part.
He said: “I really enjoy taking part in the games and look forward to it every year.
“It is a chance to meet people from all over the country who have had transplants.
“I like archery, so its a good choice of event for me.”
James Tottle, 40, from Claverton Down, had a heart transplant in 1997, after being diagnosed with the heart condition dilated cardiomyopathy.
He took part in the 100m sprint, 50m crawl and breast stroke, volleyball and badminton as part of the Harefield Adults team.
James said: “The Games are brilliant, and I am really looking forward to taking part in the various events.
“I can meet others who have been through what I have.
“It is also a brilliant social event, and I like to watch the other athletes competing”
Over at the bowls Gerald Morris, was hoping to scoop a gold medal.
The 66-year-old, who was competing as part of the Exeter Adults Team, had a kidney transplant in 2001.
He said: “The games are the highlight of my year.
“I make lots of new friends, and its good to catch up with them.
“I have also taken part in table tennis and darts.”
For many competitors the Games are a chance to show friends and family how well they are coping after their transplants.
Grace Newman, 53, from the Coventry Adults Team, took part in the badminton competition.
She had a kidney transplant 10 years ago, and this is her eighth time at the event.
Grace said: “The Games give people hope and also show that you can live a normal life after a transplant
“Its heart warming to see people like myself who have been through so much enjoying sport.”
Children were not forgotten, and excitable youngsters had the chance to take part in some fun events
Four-year-old Milly Mae Burgess-Greenwood, from Manchester, was one of the youngest competitors.
She took part in the obstacle course for the first time as part of the Manchester Children’s Team.
The youngster had a kidney transplant last year, and her dad Mark Greenwood said it was lovely to see her able to take part.
He said: “Milly Mae had a great time doing the obstacle course.
“She was weaving all over the place, and wasn’t the fastest, but it didn’t matter as she had fun.
“It was lovely to see her interacting with other children who have had transplants.”
William Newton, eight, had two liver transplants, the first in August 2002 and the second three months later in November.
He has competed in the Games for four years, as part of the Leeds Children’s Team, and this year took part in the table tennis event,
William, from Dromfield, said: “I like playing table tennis, its a fun sport.
“I have played three matches, and won two.
“I hope I win a gold medal this year.
“I want to remember my donor and make them proud.”
The Games drew to a close with the track and field events.
Here athletes had the chance to take part in sports such as long jump, high jump and sprints.
For five-year-old Kian Shah-Ackroyd, who had a liver transplant when he was nine months old, it was his first time at the event.
He took part in the 25m sprint as part of the Kings Children’s Team.
His mum Nishma said: “Kian is really healthy now, and has bundles of energy.
“He enjoyed taking part in the race, and we were so proud watching him.”
In the adults category Ashley Ramsurrun took part in the long jump and 100m race as part of the Guys Adults Team.
Ashley, 25, from London, had a kidney transplant in April 2007.
He said: “This event is brilliant, as it allows us to meet others who have had transplants.
“It also helps to raise awareness of organ donation.
“I think it is really important to join the register.
“It saves lives, and without the amazing donors many of the people taking part would not be here today.”
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