Gemma, 29, who has received two liver transplants, describes her first experience as a competitor at the British Transplant Games this summer.
It was discovering that the British Transplant Games were to be on my doorstep in Leeds in a matter of months that motivated me. I had previously volunteered and joined in the Donor Run 2013. Back then, I was uncertain that the games were for me as I had never considered myself particularly ‘sporty’. This time I have to see what it’s all about! I thought, signing up for the 200m sprint.
Although the year hadn’t been without its challenges – such as a long flu then battling COVID – I fortunately fulfilled a few goals in time for the summer games: I had completed 8 more parkruns with some solo practice runs on the side. Plus, my mum had the marvellous idea to fundraise for a charity close to our hearts: Children’s Liver Disease Foundation. My healthcare journey started when I was 11 months old with my first a liver transplant. As a baby, I had Biliary Atresia, which went unnoticed for a while as little was known at the time. So I set up a JustGiving page to thank CLDF for what they do to support children with liver disease and their families.
As the four-day event drew nearer, I grew more excited. Suddenly, registration was the day before. I arrived at the John Charles Centre for Sport where I was greeted by lovely volunteers. Already feeling welcomed and part of a very special community, I walked away with my fancy accreditation pass and drawstring bag, which, along with the transplant sports-themed items inside, would become a staple for the next few days.
Let the games begin!
My first BTG Opening Ceremony will forever be etched in my mind! It started with the joyous sound of Rock Choir. Then as the proceedings began, minute by minute, Millennium Square filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, with coordinated team shirts, signs and props galore. It struck me that for 29 years, I have gone without meeting anyone who has had a transplant and in a swift few minutes, I found myself surrounded by hundreds of them! The air was filled with excitement and gratitude. Everybody was clapping, chanting and cheering for each other, as well as for the special guests, the moving speeches from officials, followed by the Opening Ceremony traditions – which were incredibly touching, such as when ‘Tom’s Baton’ was handed to two transplant survivors on stage. Tearing up, I felt at once connected to my donors, the baby somewhere who shares with me the gift of life from the same organ, and to every one of the 750 participants from 50 teams including 300 donor families. It was a most spectacular start to the inclusive events.
During a meal with Team Addenbrookes, the ‘full-circle’ moment dawned on me: I reminisced studying at the University of Leeds pre-second transplant, and now here I was, participating in and finding community in the British Transplant Games – which utilised the University’s facilities as well as taking place in this very dynamic city. Similarly, at the Friday night social, I met even more transplant warriors and their families – people with such diverse and humbling stories and it felt so good to have this unique shared understanding with complete strangers. We have transplant ‘in-jokes’! I wondered, how has it taken me almost 30 years to find this crew? Everyone was so friendly and easy to talk to – we truly were a ‘transplant family’.
Donor Run
“This is another full-circle moment!” I told my mum and her partner (whom mum had convinced to last-minute register to walk the 3k). The Docks were where I had started my running journey with the Recovery Runners, and now I was able to run in an organised race, to fundraise for an important cause, and as part of Team Addenbrookes for the first time!
The Games were a family event
It was the day of the Donor Run. I took my place with the others at the start line. Mum and her partner took their positions with the other Donor Run participants, snapping photos at the colourful spectacle of people. Taking a last swig of water that my partner kindly offered me from the side-lines, I wished those around me good luck and…we were off! With every footstep that beat the wet ground, I gained momentum and energy. Last September 2021, my journey started with my own personal milestones: I ran for my mental health and to improve my wellbeing and fitness. Today, I thought as I breathed in the fresh air, I run for my beautiful donors, the NHS’ exceptional medical practitioners, and charities like CLDF.
As others overtook me one by one, I was thankful for even the whisper of warm breeze drying the mixed-rain-and-sweat on my forehead. I stopped to walk a few times. “You’ve got this!” another runner smiled encouragingly as they ran past me. No sooner had I started again, a volunteer pointed me in the direction of the finish line. I felt a sense of relief and pride as supporters clapped and cheered as I finished with a “Well done, 15:20” and was awarded a Donor Run medal. Another wave of pride as I greeted mum a few minutes after me, followed by her partner, who must have had quite the lively afternoon walk.
I did not realise that this would not be the end of my accomplishments just yet…!
Approximately 50 selfies later, we all gathered for presentations. I had my celebratory ice cream despite the sprinkling of rain, listening out for the ‘winning times’ so as to know what I would be aiming for if I was to potentially start collecting medals next year. Four minutes away…ooh, 2 minutes – so close!
I was battling with chocolate chips falling off the spoon when I heard my name – I had won a bronze medal in my 18-29 age category for the 3k mini-marathon! I was both shocked and over the moon at my first win for Team Addenbrookes!
Gemma was proud to receive a medal
At the stadium the next day, everyone came together in teams and I was once again blown away by the sheer size of the event. I then decided that 200m looked further than I had remembered since my school days! The butterflies kicked in. I was still aching from the day before but the roaring cheers and recognising my teammate in the same race spurred me on. We took off and sprinting down the track was over in a flash yet completely exhilarating! Two more wins for Team Addenbrookes and I received a Gold in my age category – hurrah! Partaking in the fun Relay Race together as a team beautifully wrapped up the fabulous final day of events.
Gemma and her relay team mates
Celebration event
I had heard so many wondrous things, but nothing really prepared me for the sparkling grandeur of the Gala! Alongside awards, music, food and drink, we all revelled in our collective sense of achievement, merriment and support for each other. Having made lifelong friends and connections, it was a weight off my shoulders to be reminded that I was absolutely not alone. It was particularly heart-warming to think of how children growing up with BTG would not only be creating lots of positive memories and friendships, but outside of the games, would be able to relay all of these benefits from their transplant experiences. Sharing and starting conversations about organ donation with their peers and wider circle ultimately fosters pride, hope and confidence, helping to fulfil their potentials as they navigate through life. I thought about how extremely grateful I was to everyone who sponsored mum and I at our Donor Run – we raised £660 for CLDF.
I had an unforgettable, utterly inspiring first games and there was no better way to honour donor families, and celebrate life and the amazing transformative benefits of transplantation. To the transplant community: it was fantastic seeing you and I hope to see you again soon at BTG Coventry 2023!
