Zoe Buchanan
Zoe's page
Fundraising for Transplant Sport UK
Story
Hello,
I have been selected to represent Great Britain in the world transplant games in 2017 in Malaga!I Will be playing badminton and table tennis. I am 21 years old and from the Shetland isles! (A group of islands north of the Scottish mainland).
I was born weighing 3lb 13oz and was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Russel Silver Syndrome , This affects my growth, mobility and also causes asymerty in my organs. I was born with one kidney three times larger than the other and they only 33% function between them both. My early child hood was spent in and out of hospital and the doctors warned my mum and dad that i may never walk or function independently. This is where my mum first noticed my determined streak! As i got older i noticed i was always different than the other children in nursery and school. This never got me down and my determination shone through in every activity i took part in. At the age of seven i began playing badminton. My grandmother and my Uncle Stuart had both been champion Badminton players and this was why i chose this sport to try. it was apparent from the beginning i was talented. What ive lacked in size i always made up from in strength. At the age of 11 i first represented Shetland in first junior inter county competition, wiping the floor with the opposition, Orkney. Not only did i play badminton but i got involve in ladies football and table tennis.
Unfortunately at the age 13 my Kidneys Failed. i was put on to dialysis and was connected to a machine for 10 hours a night. This was devistating for me as i was no longer allowed to do so many sports but i insisted that i would not give up badminton. My mother, Jill was tested to see if she could be a living donor for me to recieve one of her kidneys and Luckily she was. It took another 9 months from that testing for her to be ready to donate. two weeks before the transplant i took part in the Sheltand open badminton championship and Won!
On the 24th of March 2010, in yorkhill childrens hospital in Glasgow, I received my new kidney from my mum. Battling through complications we both got back to the Shetland isles 6 months later!
I have competed in 5 British transplant games and won over 15 medals. I was also nominated Shetlands Young sports person of year twice (2012 and 2013) .
In 2013 I was selected to represent GB for the first time in Durban, South Africa. I went on training hard and won two world champuionships in badminton and table tennis and a bronze in badminton doubles!
Unfortunately I was then Diagnosed with a Hypertrophic cardiomyopothy ( a rare heart condition not connected with the Russel Silver Syndrome) This causes a thickening of the lining of my heart. I have to be monitored regularly for this and I had to take a year out of competing and training . I was also selected to represent GB in Argentina in 2015 but due to my health difficulties I was unable to attend.
I'm truely honoured to have been selected yet again to represent my country in something I love. Without your support I may not be able to get to the games as each athlete has to fund for the trip themselves including a few trips to Coventry for sessions. I am raising funds to cover my expenses associated with attending the World Transplant Games in Malaga Spain. Any surplus funds will go towards the Transplant Sport UK Management Team (including physios and coaches) who give up their time to support the team.
Thank you for taking time to read my story and donate if you can.
If you cannot donate please share my story to raise awareness for transplant sport and organ donation.
JUST KEEP SWIMMING.