Hi All,
It’s with great pleasure I am writing to remind everyone the UK Transplant Games 2017 are open for business with a deadline of Friday 12th May 2017 to apply. Here at Salford Royal we first started having a push on with the games a couple of years ago when they came to Bolton. I think that was probably the first time some of us had attended; me and my little one did the donor run (which is open to all and celebrates those who have so generously donated the gift of life) and since she was only 3 – she did it on a micro-scooter with an ice-cream bribe – ahem – I mean reward at the end. We both got a medal and mine is still by my desk at work and hers is still the subject of occasional fights with her twin brother as he’d had a bug and couldn’t go – but desperately wanted a medal too!
Since then, we have several SRFT kidney transplant patients who are medal winners at both national and international level – and even one of our patients who has acted as Team Manchester’s physio support. They all tell similar stories – of something I realised myself – that being part of something like this can be a life inspiring event – to connect with people in similar life journeys, to feel humility as you find yourself walking side-by-side with kids who have received life-saving organs – but whose future is still uncertain, and to feel the energy in coming together as a community. To our local medal winners (you know who you are!) – we are proud of you and all that you’ve achieved. To our future medal winners – yet to be inspired – no matter what your fitness level is or previous sports experience – there’ll be something you could consider trying or just coming along to cheer and give much needed support. Last year’s Liverpool games was the biggest on record with 948 registered athletes, 1485 supporters (which included 100 Live Donors), 2500 people attending the Opening Ceremony, and 2000 people attended the Gala Celebration. The Donor Run reached its 1200 capacity. Lets make the future even more to shout about! If you want to know more – look at http://www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk/north-lanarkshire-2017/
Or get in touch with me or Rob Ward our Improvement Facilitator if you think you’d like to chat to someone who has been involved in the games before.
