July 21st – 28th 7 Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant recipients (and our much loved nurse from ward 38 and live donor Georgia Wlding) joined in representing the 70 strong team GB plus a great team of supporters at the European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Lisbon.
7 Days of beautiful sunshine, great sports events and socialising with recipients celebrating the gift of life from around Europe and remembering their donors. Below each of the Freeman gang give their own brief synopsis:
Susan Wrightson:
Heart Transplant 1992.
“My time in Lisbon was extremely enjoyable. I love competing in the transplant games and even though I didn’t win any medals this time do hope to represent team GB at the World games in Dresden, Germany 2025 or the next European Games in Arnhem, Holland 2026”.
Craig Jones:
Lung Transplant May 2017
“This year was extra special as I wanted to prove to myself that chronic rejection doesn’t mean the end and wanted to show people I still have what it takes to be a champion and I certainly exceeded all my expectations running 100m in14:24 sec. and becoming the European Champion in shot putt with a throw of 9.97m. This wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my family/wife/team/doctors and donor. Forever Grateful.”
Miao Cowen:
Heart Transplant September 2022.
Gold Medal in Table Tennis Singles and 3k walk .
“Competing in transplant games gives me a great reason to train hard since I was not able to play any sports before. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. I want my donor and his family to be proud of me and show others how organ donation has changed my life”.
Alex Bell:
Heart Transplant 2013.
Silver Medal in Table Tennis.
“Competing in the European Games allows me to explore beautiful cities, meet amazing people and serve as a powerful testament to the success of organ transplantation. We are eternally grateful to our donors and families.”
Kirston Clulow:
Heart Transplant August 2021.
Gold Medal mini marathon, Gold medal 50m Freestyle, Silver medal 50m backstroke.
“This was the first time at European Transplant Games. My donor family encouraged me to enter.”
Louise Mclellan:
Heart Transplant October 2013.
Gold Medals; 50m Backstoke, 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke, 3k Walk.
” I am in awe at the Games in that we are surrounded by people that actually would have been dead if it weren’t for the amazing donor families and their gifts to each of us” The events I do would never have been possible before transplant as cardio exercise was not allowed so to then to swim or walk as fast as I possibly can gives me a huge sense of achievement medals or not and my mantra at the starting blocks is :always be amazing, be my own winner , make my donor proud. The European Games are a great opportunity to compete with athletes from different countries and be part of the amazing team GB making new friends from the different hospitals. Can’t wait to get back training for the next challenge and keep this super heart active ”
Robert Hodgkiss:
Heart Transplant
2 gold athletics, 4 silver swimming & volleyball.
“While it’s great to meet up with friends old & new, for me the main focus of the transplant games are to highlight the active lives we can go on to lead following a life saving transplant. It also serves to highlight the ongoing need for people to share their wishes for the thousands currently on the waiting list.”
In addition Team GB also won the beat Heart & Lung Team so a great success to all involved.
