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FREEMAN HEART & LUNG TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION REGISTERED CHARITY 700730 |
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The Freeman had 6 representatives travelling to Canada for the World Transplant Games:-
The XVth World Transplant Games London – Ontario – Canada The XVth World Transplant Games in Canada were my third World Games and I enjoyed them as much as ever. As usual the weather was magnificent for the duration of the competition and if anything too hot. The organisation of the Games was first class and the accommodation at the University of Western Ontario excellent. On behalf of all athletes and supporters I would like to offer my thanks to the organisers of the Games. A special mention to Janet Brady and Heather Fisher, both of whom have received liver transplants, for their dedication to the Games over the past three or four years. The opening ceremony was held on the Sunday 17th July at the John Labbatt Centre. The man who gave the world the thirst quenching amber nectar should have been in the car park two hours before the ceremony was due to start with his beverage, because the athletes were left out in the near 100°C heat with no cover and were visibly flagging before any competition had begun. Once inside the 9,000 seat arena everything went smoothly. The parade of athletes is an inspiring sight and not a dry eye in the house can be found as the donor families march in at the rear and receive a standing ovation from the assembly. After the formal speeches and some light entertainment the Games were officially open. There were 54 teams and 1,600 competitors ready to take part in their respective competitions. The Freeman hospital had 6 representatives, which is quite remarkable. It was not so long ago that a heart transplant recipient would not be considered for selection. Our team members were Judith Burgess, Joan Whitney, Kaylee Davidson (her first time as an adult), Adrian Woodcock, Stuart Kaye and Graham Marsh. Lynne Holt, whom many of you know as our co-ordinator at the Freeman hospital in Newcastle, was there in her role as assistant Team Manager and Carol Davidson looked after the juniors. Barbara Harpham, the National Director of Heart Research UK was also in Canada supporting the team. Heart Research had offered help to all heart recipients with matching funding to travel to Canada, which is much appreciated. Judith Burgess,
Joan Whitney, Graham Marsh, The week’s sport is intense and competitive as well as fun, but there is always time to meet and make friends with other competitors. The camaraderie is a major part of the Games and people come together from all over the world to celebrate ‘The Gift of life’. Most of us took the opportunity to visit the awesome Niagara Falls and the social programme is always very good. The World Transplant Idol competition was entertaining and Becky Davidson, Kaylee’s sister, was runner up, performing in front of 2,000 people at the gala dinner. Although, in my opinion, transplant sport is not just about winning, the World Games are obviously the pinnacle of our sport and most of us have trained hard for at least the past two years since being selected. Therefore to win a medal (of any colour) is a bonus and a thrill. Our badminton players excelled at the Games and Adrian Woodcock and Judith Burgess both won gold in the doubles, they also each claimed a bronze medal in their second events of tennis and table tennis respectively. Joan Whitney and Stuart Kaye took bronze in the badminton doubles too. I like to think of myself as a golfer but could only mage 9th place, so I must be a runner because I took the silver medal in the 100m. Stepping up to receive my medal from Barbara Harpham (below) was a very special moment and a tear ran down my cheek as she did so. The Games can be summed up by one word - brilliant! I would like to say a special thank you to everyone who comes as a supporter. We have become one big happy family and in my view the supporters are one of the main reasons for that. The donor families who attend are easily the bravest people at the Games and on behalf of everyone who has received 'The Gift of Life' I can only say Thank You! It is not nearly enough, but is all I can say. They add a different dimension to the Games atmosphere that makes it very special. To sum up how I feel about the
games: The World Transplant Games in 2007 are scheduled to take place in Chang Mai, Thailand. All being well I hope to see you there!
The 11th European Heart & Lung Transplant Games will take place in Naples, Italy from 21st -26th June in 2006. The Freeman team would like as many people as possible to take part. So, if you would like to represent GB&NI and had a heart and/or lung transplant at the Freeman hospital get in touch with me and I will tell you everything you need to know. The Games are great fun and are as competitive as you want them to be. The main thing is take part and help raise awareness about transplantation and the donor card programme across Europe. Graham Marsh Freeman Sports Team Manager
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graham@fhlta.org.uk with
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