Why the Transplant Games is extra special for Harry

A 14-year-old boy from Shrewsbury will be heading for the British Transplant Games in Oxford this week, just six months after undergoing a liver transplant. The surgery, which took place at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, was the third transplant for Harry who was born with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia. All the signs are that this one has been a success, and he is now keen to embrace everything life has to offer, as a way of honouring his donors.    

“I love going to the Games and was devastated when we couldn’t go last year when I was awaiting my liver transplant,” explains Harry. “It makes me even more excited to attend this year, represent my hospital team and show how well I’ve recovered!  I’ll be taking part in three swimming events as well as the long jump.” 

For parents, Simon and Clare, Harry’s enthusiasm for the Games demonstrates just how far he has come in a short space of time: 

“Harry’s had a really tough year with repeated infections, treatments and surgery. At times he was unable to get out of bed,” says Simon. “So to see him practising in the pool and hear him talking about the Games is astonishing. It’s hard to describe how good it is and how grateful we are to be able to head back. 

“When you’re at the hospital with a sick child your world shrinks down to be a very small and scary place. Being at the Games allows us to see just what all that hospital time is for. People that were struggling to get out of bed are running around sport fields, smiling and laughing their heads off. Children and families are forming friendships with others that have been through the same experience.  For us, the Transplant Games allows people that have been through real health struggles to show that there is life on the other side of it. They are taking part in sport, making friends and having the best time doing it. It’s a real joy to share with everyone there.  

“We’ll also be able to catch up with the team from Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, who have provided us with information and support ever since Harry was diagnosed.” 

“The Transplant Games is a wonderful example of what organ donation really means,” added Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families Services at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, which has now merged with the British Liver Trust. “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. Harry and his family have had a particularly tough year so we’re delighted to see him back at the Games this year and will be cheering him on at the poolside!”