I am delighted to have been selected to be part of the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team to compete in the 2017 World Transplant Games in Malaga, Spain. The World Transplant Games, takes place every two years, and represents the largest organ donor awareness event in the world.

As many of you know, I received my Liver transplant four years ago in January 2013. One of my goals during my recovery period was to be fit enough to compete at the British Transplant Games. This would enable me to return to sporting activity and hopefully show people how organ donation can totally transform lives. I competed in the 2014 Games at Bolton one year after my transplant and have competed in every Games since and been lucky enough to win a few medals along the way. However none of this would have been possible without the generosity of my donor’s family who made a difficult decision in what must have been trying circumstances.

The purpose of the Games is to raise awareness of the positive results of organ donation by demonstrating the remarkable physical achievements of people whose lives have been saved or transformed by organ transplantation.

Unfortunately although the World Transplant Games are a recognized IOC event, participation at The World Transplant Games is entirely self-funded. The cost of participating is approximately £1500. Funds are raised for Transplant Sport UK, a charity organisation that oversees the training and preparation of the British athletes for the Games. All donations received will cover the costs of participating in the event, including travel to and from Malaga, accommodation, entry fees, insurance and travel to team training meetings in United Kingdom throughout the year. Once these costs are met any surplus funds will go to the Transplant Sport UK Management Team (including physios and coaches) who give up their time to support the team. Any donations, whatever size will be very much appreciated!

To raise the funds I am attempting to Racewalk 10 parkruns in one day on the 22nd April 2017. The total distance involved is 44km starting in Greenock then to Linwood, Pollok, Victoria, Victoria Juniors, Drumchapel, Springburn, Tollcross, Strathclyde and finishing at Rouken Glen Juniors some 12 hours later.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am extremely grateful for your interest in the benefits of organ donation and transplantation as well as your financial support. To join the NHS Organ Donor Register and help save lives, text SAVE to 62323, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk. Most importantly, tell your relatives of your decision to become an organ donor

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.