Birmingham hospital charity supports local transplant sports team at British Transplant Games

The 2024 British Transplant Games took place in Nottingham from 1 – 4 August and the Adult Birmingham Transplant Sports Team won the Ross Taylor Transplant Sport Trophy for best overall team for the third year in a row.

The team is supported by Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and many of its members went through their organ transplant journey at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Led by volunteer manager, Martin Searle, the Birmingham team had 48 competitors taking part this year, their second biggest team yet. Martin said, “The passion shown from the team was out of this world and I thoroughly enjoy managing and being part of such a great team. It is an honour to receive the Ross Taylor trophy for the third consecutive year. It further proves that with the inspiration from those around us we can do some amazing things in our lives post-transplant.”

For some of the team, it was their first time competing at the games and an amazing opportunity to meet other transplant recipients and raise awareness for organ donation. Rachel Easter, who won silver for javelin said, “I had a great first experience at the games. I feel so inspired by those that also competed and it was a privilege to meet them and hear their stories. So many brave people who have overcome so much. I would urge anyone considering next year’s games to go for it regardless of ability – you will love it. Such warm, friendly people having a good time and trying new things.”

Martin was also the recipient of the Peter Griffin Award for his outstanding contribution to supporting transplant sport and promoting organ donation. The award was instituted in memory of Peter Griffin, an eminent transplant surgeon who was involved with transplant sport and recognises someone each year at the games.

Martin added, “To receive the Peter Griffin Award is an even greater honour, especially meeting the man himself in my early years of attending the British Transplant Games. In his honour, I will do my utmost to further support transplant sport and will continue to promote organ donation and transplantation.”

Martin has undergone two kidney transplants at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where he received excellent care, and is awaiting his third transplant. He is a long-time supporter of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and regularly organises fundraising events as well as raising awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity is funding the new Edmonds Transplant Centre Birmingham currently being built at the hospital. It will become a national centre of excellence for organ transplantation, bringing all the specialist care to patients, including pre-transplant consultations, additional fitness classes before surgery, patient support groups and rehabilitation after surgery. The Centre will massively improve the treatment journey and recovery for patients, as they will only need to visit one area of the hospital.