A RECORD number of adults and children who have had heart or lung transplants in the North-East are preparing to compete in the British Transplant Games next week.
Made up of 36 adults and 12 children - who have all had transplants at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle - it will be the largest team of heart/lung recipients to compete in the games since they began in 1978.
The British Transplant Games encourages those who have received a transplant to lead active and healthy lives while showcasing the benefits of transplantation. The aim is to raise awareness for more people to sign on to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
In the UK, 10,000 people are waiting for a life saving transplant, and three die each day waiting.
Lynne Holt, clinical transplant coordinator at the Freeman Hospital, said: ‘These are truly the friendly games, demonstrating the success of transplantation at the Freeman Hospital, the joy of being alive and the opportunity to give thanks to the donor families.”
About 1,200 supporters are expected to cheer on the athletes over four days at the event in Bolton.
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