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Date: 10 February 2012
Time: 18:34
Birmingham transplant patients hit heights
Story posted/last updated: 27 August 2010
A team of 24 transplant patients from the Birmingham area has returned as the most successful team at the British Transplant Games in Bath.
The team broke the recent dominance of the Belfast team to win the Ross Taylor Rose Bowl for the most individual medals, as well as taking a number of individual awards for overall performance.
Martin Searle was competing in his 10th British Transplant Games since he received a new kidney at the Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hospital in 1997, and he said it was a wonderful experience: “It’s so exciting taking part; it’s an event you just don’t want to miss out on.
“And winning the Rose Bowl was a real delight, because Belfast have completely dominated the last six years. We’re very pleased!”
Martin competed in snooker, darts, 10-pin bowling, badminton and shot put and, although he didn’t pick up a medal, he loved every minute of the competition.
“It’s not about winning, it’s all about being there and seeing so many people you know from previous events and sharing the experience.”
One who did pick up medals was Maureen George, who received a new liver at the QE in 2003. She won silver in archery and javelin, building on her bronze medal in swimming last year, but it was an unexpected success: “It was my first time doing both events, and they had to show me how to do it on the day!
“All the competitors become best of friends, and you have some lovely experiences taking part. The girl who beat me in both events was a twin, and when I went to congratulate her afterwards I got the wrong sister!
“I hope to compete again next year when the games are in Belfast.”
Consultant kidney transplant surgeon Andrew Ready, from the QE, was delighted with the team’s success: “This is a real tribute to the strength of character and determination of these people, many of whom were very, very ill before their transplant.
“It also demonstrates the transformative power of transplantation, which saves and changes the lives of hundreds of people.”
As well as winning event medals and the Rose Bowl for best team, Birmingham competitors won the following individual overall excellence awards:
- Emma Dallman – Outstanding Colt Female
- Derek Johnson – Outstanding Super Super Veteran
- Gerald Brown – Victor Ludorum Dry (Male Veteran)
- Lauren Leach – Victrex Ludorum Swimming (Female Adult)
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