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20.08.2008
Five year old, Dominic Carney is the son of one of our office administrators in our Leeds office. 18 months ago, he was suffering from kidney failure, and was just weeks away from needing gruelling dialysis to keep him alive. In October 2006, and with his condition deteriorating, Dominic was put on the organ transplant list and both parents underwent testing to see if they were compatible. Step up super dad, a perfect match! The transplant took place in January 2007.
Fast forward to August 2008, and the British Transplant Games. This account comes from Dominic’s mum, Rosalba.
“When you see a large crowd of people it makes you take note, but when it’s made up of adults and children who have all had life-saving organ transplant operations, the effect can be overwhelming. That is what happened in Sheffield on August 7-11 2008. Organised by Transplant Sport UK, over 600 athletes took part, a quarter of which were children. It was a nationwide event with teams from as far afield as Scotland, Ireland, Wales and London!
We were proud to be a part of “Jimmiz KRU” (Kids Renal Unit) from St James Hospital, Leeds. There were nine children in our team aged between 5 and 15 and we won a total of 15 medals – 3 gold, 8 silver and 4 bronze. Dominic won a gold medal for “Ball Throwing” and a silver medal for “25 Metre Dash”. He was just pipped at the post by a fraction of a second too, otherwise we would have had another gold!
There was great team spirit among all the children’s teams but with a competitive edge, too. These child athletes (aged between 2 and 17) ranged from complete beginners (first timers like Dominic) up to almost professional standards (those who had been competing for years).
As well as the obstacle course and indoor sports hall events, there were outdoor track and field events plus swimming and badminton. The adults had a more varied and challenging programme.
From the opening parade on Thursday evening (a walk through the streets of Sheffield) to the spectacular Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Sunday night, it has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions. I think I experienced every emotion going! We have met some wonderful people – other families who have been through the same (and worse), the organisers and team managers, not to mention the kids who have bonded for life.
The weekend was jam-packed from start to finish. As well as the main events, we had a ten-pin bowling session for families and a “Transplant Sport UK’s Got Talent” evening where kids and adults took part.
All I can say is what an amazing experience it was for all who were involved – who needs Beijing?! All the athletes were literally celebrating the gift of life, what most of us take for granted. It was announced at the opening ceremony that of the 600+ athletes taking part, if there was no organ donation there would probably be as many graves. A sobering thought indeed. On a lighter note, we got to meet Pudsey Bear (!) as Children In Need had donated a huge amount of money towards the Games. Also in the run up to the Games, and as a result of all the publicity, 25,000 people in South Yorkshire have signed up to the Organ Donor Register – what a result! Roll on Coventry next year.”
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