Members of the Leeds Children’s and Adults Transplant Sport teams – which are based at Leeds Children’s Hospital and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, respectively – took part in a ‘Leeds Transplant Team Takeover’ at a Parkrun at Roundhay Park.
Max Keenan, 13 and from Leeds, entered the Parkrun to celebrate his second transplant anniversary and to raise awareness of organ donation and the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which he will participate in when it takes place in Sheffield this August.
Max and his younger brother Harry, nine, were both born with the rare genetic condition Alpha-1 (or Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency), which affects around one in 4,000 people in the UK. The condition caused them both to need a liver transplant, though at different stages in their respective journeys to full health.
“The Parkrun was great fun,” Max said. “It was great to see so many people support the event to raise awareness of organ donation. Me and Harry owe a lot to organ donation so it was nice to be part of an event that raised awareness of it, and the need for people to have conversations with their family and friends about consenting to organ donation.
“I can’t wait to compete for the Leeds Children’s team at the British Transplant Games. I really enjoy taking part in the Games because it’s a great way to meet new people who have had a transplant, just like me and Harry.”
Gareth took part in the event with his son Max on what was a special anniversary for them both. The Parkrun was staged exactly one year after Gareth donated a kidney to Max.
“We loved every minute of the Parkrun,” Gareth said. “After speaking with the Leeds Children’s team manager, and hearing all about the British Transplant Games, we headed home to sign up for the Games in Sheffield.
“The Games are a powerful way to celebrate the life-saving impact of organ donation and transplantation and to celebrate the heroic donors who have given people a second chance of life.”
Katie Oates, who received a kidney transplant 11 years ago, has volunteered at more than 300 park runs and was happy to get involved once again at the event in Leeds, held in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant.
Katie walked with her guide dog, her mum Emma, brother Tom and his guide dog and dad. She’s also been heavily involved with the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which take place this year from August 6 to 9.
“I have attended the Games for the last few years and wouldn’t miss it for the world!” she said. “I’ll be competing in the indoor bowls, a sport I love and play regularly in my spare time.
“I’m also looking forward to the Donor Run. It’s my favourite event because it honours those who have given the gift of life and showcases the healthy lives donors and transplant recipients can lead after their transplants.”
NHS Blood and Transplant Chief Nurse Olive McGowan said: “I’m so proud to have been part of the wonderful Leeds Transplant Team Takeover at Parkrun. It was a great opportunity for us to show the power of organ donation and transplantation and raise awareness of the vital need for more organs.
“More than 8,200 people are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant – the highest number ever recorded. So, we need as many people as possible to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register to have the best chance at helping save lives.”
In addition to transplant recipients, living donors and their families, the Leeds Transplant Team at Parkrun encompassed hospital staff as well as friends, families and supporters of the hospitals.
The Adults and Children’s Teams are managed, respectively, by Kirsty Saville and Lisa Beaumont, who provide voluntary support to Transplant Sport in addition to their busy clinical day jobs. Kirsty and Lisa are supported by a team of volunteers, largely made up of staff from Leeds Children’s Hospital and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
