The George Best Foundation has paid to help four young athletes attend the World Transplant Games in Australia this summer, it was revealed today.
Two teenagers from the North and two from England with new livers and kidney will travel this August.
The foundation, established after the Manchester United star’s death in November 2005, donated £6,000 towards their costs.
Best’s sister Barbara McNarry said: “”We are only too glad to help the young people. At the same time it is a very sad and poignant reminder of George who after his liver transplant was looking forward to a healthy life without alcohol.”
She said that like many people the icon was in the grip of a terrible disease which led to his death.
“The young people taking part in the Games have shown they appreciate that their transplants have given them a second chance of life,” she added. “They have taken that chance by living life to the full and they can’t be praised enough for their enthusiasm for sport.”
The four competing in the junior section of the World Games are Conor Patton (16), from Crumlin, Co Antrim; Rachel Curran (15), from Kilkeel, Co Down; James Flintham (16), from Hull in northeast England and Hannah Bryan (17), from Stockport, Manchester.
They take part in a range of events including the 100m sprint, long jump and badminton.
Mrs McNarry added: “I didn’t know a lot about the World Transplant Games until
I received a letter from James. We are only too happy to support him as well as Conor and Rachel. We also wanted to help fund someone from Manchester and are delighted that it’s Hannah.
Around £4,500 is needed to take each junior competitor and adult escort to the World Games.
PA