Squad set for transplant games

EIGHT YOUNG athletes who have undergone transplant operations will provide hope and inspiration to those on donor waiting lists when they compete at an international event this week, according to the Irish Kidney Association.

The eight will travel to Sheffield in England to represent Ireland at the UK Transplant Games.

Lauren Jones (12) from Rush in Co Dublin is competing in the 100m sprint. She underwent her kidney transplant in 2004 after being unwell for some time.

Having the operation was a big step in helping her sporting ambitions.

"It has made a big difference to me. I can play a lot more sports now . . . Since the operation, I'm not able to play contact sports, but I really like tennis and athletics. I'm really excited about going to the games," she said.

The Sheffield event will involve almost 1,000 transplant recipients in sports including swimming, track and field, bowling, tennis, golf and cycling.

Colin White of the Irish Kidney Association said the games would highlight the benefits of organ donation. "Our team is offering hope to those still awaiting an organ transplant and inspiration to those considering organ donation," he said.

A total of 141 kidney transplant operations were completed in the Republic last year, and eight involved minors.

The Irish team of six boys and two girls all have had kidney transplants and are aged from 11 to 16 and each of the four provinces is represented.

The aim of the games is to encourage transplant patients to regain fitness, showcase the benefits of organ transplantation and promote awareness of the ongoing need for organ donors.

Organ donor cards are available by phoning the Irish Kidney Association at 1890-543639 or by free texting the word DONOR to 50050.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times