Holly helps launch the British Transplant Games

TRANSPLANT athlete Holly Shaw, from Warrington, took a leading part in the launch of next year’s British Transplant Games – more than seven months ahead of them taking place at Liverpool next July.
Holly, 27, from Westbrook, is waiting for a second kidney transplant and is a member of the Liverpool team for the games.
The launch ceremony at ACC Liverpool yesterday saw the lighting of the games flame and participating athletes from all over the country gathering to start the official countdown.
Organised by the charity Transplant Sport, the games, sponsored by not-for-profit health insurer Westfield Health, is one of the largest annual multi-sport events in the United Kingdom.
More than 800 participants are expected to enter in a variety of sporting events which aim to celebrate the inspirational stories of both transplant patients and donor families, while highlighting the immediate need for people to sign the donor register.
Speaking at the launch, Holly said: “The Westfield Health British Transplant Games give hope to people like myself. There are so many people whose lives are saved thanks to the incredible gift of transplants.
“Seeing them come together and participate in these uplifting events is just incredibly motivating and inspiring. The games are a celebration and a chance for people to come together and show just how donor organs have given them a second chance at life.”
Cllr Wendy Simon, deputy mayor of Liverpool and chairman of the local organising committee said: “Liverpool is a city where sport is at the heart of our community.
“Hosting the British Transplant Games here in Liverpool will shine a light not only on the power of sport, but also the life-changing transplants that are carried out at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Broadgreen and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. We hope to create awareness of the need for local people to sign the organ donor register, and help as many people on the transplant waiting lists find a match for the life-saving organs they so desperately need.”
The British Transplant Games have been held annually since 1978 and have grown from an original 99 entrants (nicknamed the 99 blooming miracles) to 800 competitors today.