17 medals at British Transplant Games

A team of young patients treated at Southampton Children’s Hospital have returned from the 2022 British Transplant Games with a haul of medals!

The four-day event attracted more than 850 athletes, who competed in a range of sporting events including track and field, fishing, badminton and volleyball, over the course of four days.

‘Team Southampton’ were aged between three and 14 and have all received life-saving treatment in our nephrology unit, which treats young people with acute and chronic kidney disease and cares for around seven transplant patients a year before and after surgery.

The children were joined by parents, siblings and staff who were among the 1,700 strong crowd that came to support the athletes.

Katie Hart, clinical nurse specialist in paediatric nephrology at Southampton Children’s Hospital, travelled with the team and said: “We were delighted to be able to enter a team into the British Transplant Games once again, especially after a three-year break because of Covid.”

She explained: “It’s such a fantastic event that brings young patients and families together to do something that is so much fun and at the same time rewarding. This year we were a 52-strong team made up of our patients, their families and staff.”

Team Southampton came home with an outstanding eight gold, five silver and four bronze medals between them.Jeneen Thomsen, Head of Charitable Giving said:

“The Transplant Games are always the highlight of the year for many of our patients. The opportunity to compete in so many different games and meet other children with similar conditions is invaluable. The sheer determination shown from the children is inspiring and we wish them all the very best.

Southampton Hospitals Charity is proud to fund Team Southampton every year in the Transplant Games, and congratulations to everyone who took part, especially to those who came away with medals!”

With the support of families and our local community, we have been able to raise funds to support these children to reach the games. The Velmead School raised over £500 to help support student Max Hancox, who went on to receive three gold medals at the games!

A big congratulations to all the participants and everyone who supported them to make it a success!

Press release issued by University Hospital Southampton