Story
A long time ago, in a hospital far far away, an amazing family made an incredible decision to donate their loved one's heart to me. I've taken great care of that gift and it has enabled me to live a full and active life for the past 16 years - so far.
That gift has taken me to great places and to do many wonderful things, but now it has allowed me to be chosen to represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia in 2023!!
I will be competing in both Badminton and Table Tennis, which I won Gold and Silver in at the British Transplant Games earlier this year.
I do this to honour not only my donor, but all donors who give the most amazing gift of life to their recipients.
As I'm sure you'll realise this wonderful opportunity comes with a real cost, so I'm raising funds to cover my expenses associated with attending the WTG in Perth. 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.
All money raised goes directly to TSUK who will then reimburse me only for costs directly related to the games (flights, kit, registration, accommodation etc) and not for any leisure/holiday activities I may decide to do.
For myself and an accompanying adult TSUK has estimated approximately £6000 to cover these Games costs. However, if we raise more than this we are allowed to cover my sisters and both parents travel costs (as I can't exactly leave them at home alone!). Isabel and Aine have also been through the ups and downs of transplant life as my sisters, this is all they have known and they have coped with it brilliantly, even though at times it has been really tough on them too - so I think they deserve a little thank you from me too.
We can only receive money we have raised directly. We do not get any other financial aid from TSUK and are funding the whole trip ourselves at present. (Thank you Mum and Dad!).
Finally, we know money is tight right now, so if you cant spare any pennies please think about joining the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and have that conversation with your family so they know your wishes too. Organ Donation Saves Lives!
Thank you
Eloise