Day 3 of the Westfield Health British Transplant Games and we got to experience ‘a typical Scottish summer’s day’. Suffice it to say, it rained a lot! However, our competitors turned to a reign of other sorts as we finished the day with a total of 10 GOLD medals, 1 SILVER medal and 3 BRONZE medals!

First up we had the pairing of captain Harry Ward and Ned Crowe in badminton. They have played together a number of times in competition and this was evident as their team work saw them take bronze. Deirdre Crowe, our living donor on the team was also involved in the badminton and was delighted to come away with a bronze – having competed in the triathlon and taken part in the 5km this year, I can relate to that wonderful feeling that comes with being able to take part in some aspect of the Transplant Games.

Tara Madigan opened up her 2017 BTG account with a very competitive 25m freestyle in the morning. This was Tara’s first time to compete in swimming at the Games.

From our youngest competitor we moved to our oldest as Charlie settled in for a long day of indoor bowls. The venue has a great history and the atmosphere throughout the day was very friendly.

Our two race walkers were getting ready for the 5km whilst our adult swimmers were getting ready for an afternoon of competition.

Mike, back to defend his title, yet again, and Ned, taking part in the walk at the British Games for the first time. Both gentlemen went on to take GOLD in their respective age categories.

The programme in the pool was fairly hectic with Orla Hogan, Peter Heffernan and Noel Marsden all representing our adults’ team. Races came thick and fast and so did the medals. In the end, Peter accumulated 4 GOLD medals and 1 SILVER medal whilst Noel took 2 GOLD medals and 1 Bronze medal. It was a ‘hard day at the office’ for all three swimmers but each of them was rightly proud of their achievements. With our team it is all about ‘being the best that you can be’ and they were certainly that!

Not to be outdone by the adults, our children’s team decided to get in on the medal action with the 3km on in the evening. Torrential downpours delayed the start of the race but we eventually got away on a challenging hilly course. Jack led home the junior boys and thus achieved ‘three in a row’ as he retain his title first won in 2015 in Newcastle (venue for the 2019 World Transplant Games). Tara also led the junior girls home, which is some achievement for a 10 year old and she too retained the title she first won in Liverpool last year.

An amazing haul of medals but also an amazing day of camaraderie and support. There is a real joy that comes with being part of our transplant sports programme and it is all about the people be they competitors or supporters. Everyone brings something to the team. It is great having regulars return and also wonderful to see knew people have a new experience open out before them. Getting ‘Fit For Life’ opens up so many possibilities in life and it is all Powered by the Gift of Life.