A six-year-old girl from Middleton Cheney is heading to the British Transplant Games at the end of this month, where she is excited to be taking part in four events! This summer’s Games which are taking place in Oxford will be the third for Isabella who was born with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia and underwent a life-saving liver transplant when she was just ten months old.
“This year’s Games are particularly exciting for Isabella as she has gone up an age category this year and will now be competing with the 6 to 8-year-olds,” explains mum, Gemma.” So she’s going to be doing ball throw, obstacle race and long jump – and doing a 50m track race instead of 25m as she’s previously done!”
“She loves participating in all the events as well as meeting up with friends she’s made at the Games in previous years and making new ones. It’s wonderful to see how much she enjoys taking part but just as important for Isabella to meet other children who have been through transplant and are enjoying active lives. Likewise, we find it very helpful to speak to other parents who have been through similar experiences.
“The Games will also be a great opportunity to catch up with the team from Children’s Liver Disease Foundation who have provided us with information and support ever since Isabella’s diagnosis.”
“The Transplant Games is a wonderful example of what organ donation really means,” said Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families Services at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, which has now merged with the British Liver Trust to bring children’s and adult liver support services together. “We’re really looking forward to catching up with families we have supported over many years and seeing the fantastic progress their children have made. And we’ll definitely be cheering on Isabella in her quest for medals!”
