The Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2025 took place in Oxford over Thursday 31 July – Sunday 3 August. The Games raise awareness of organ donation, encourage transplant patients to regain fitness and bring donor families together as a community.
There are over 8,000 people in the UK currently waiting for a transplant. Up to three lives are lost every day while waiting. The games are far more than a sporting event —they are a celebration of resilience, hope, and the incredible gift of life.
As well as ongoing partnership support, we are proud that many of our colleagues and partners were there to celebrate, collaborate with and support the British Transplant Games.
“Westfield Health has been privileged to support the Games for over 15 years, and every year it’s astonishing to witness this coming together of transplant patients, donors and donor families in the spirit of celebration.”
Steve Purdham, Chairman, Westfield Health
Day one — the opening ceremony
The event began with a parade from the Woodstock Gate through the grounds of Blenheim Palace. The donor recipients and live donors led the way. They were followed by the donor family network dressed in purple and led by our Non-Executive Director, Mahmud Nawaz.
The ceremony was hosted by TV presenter and author, Susie Dent. Blossom Martin (student at the Royal Academy of Music) and Adam Isaac (The Voice UK) performed musical entertainment for the event and are both members of the Oxford’s Transplant Games’ team.
We also met Lisa Wilson (Tom’s mum, who commissioned ‘Tom’s Baton’ to be donated to Transplant Sport as a symbol of the gift of life.
The first sporting events began with archery, golf and volleyball – setting the scene for the rest of the weekend filled with supportive crowds, competition and fun.
Day two – community spirit
Our volunteer colleagues hosted a stall with games to test reaction times for kids, groups and some friendly competition, as well as collaborating with Deborah Grimshaw from UK Healthcare, who acted as our chief glitter officer. She offered her own bespoke templates for glitter tattoos – including organ templates for those who wanted to show the organ they had been donated.
The first full day of sports saw table tennis matches move quickly, the ‘Donor Ball Throw’ drew strong efforts from participants, and long jump and cycling events ran throughout with keen participation. Off the field, families joined in social games and activities, keeping the energy going beyond the competitions.
Day three – the donor run
Day three kept the energy high with a full line-up of sport and community spirit. From swimming and badminton to bowls and under-5s events, the day showcased a wide range of skills, stories, and smiles. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines, everyone played a part in celebrating the resilience and unity at the heart of the Games.
Saturday also saw one of the biggest highlights of the British Transplant Games—the Donor Run. This year marked a major milestone with the highest number of sign-ups to date. Participants came dressed in everything from team colours to creative organ-themed costumes. More than just a run, this annual event raises vital awareness for organ and stem cell donation, supporting the NHS Organ Donation Register and the Anthony Nolan Register. It’s a powerful tribute to donors and their families, highlighting the second chances they’ve made possible.
Day four – the closing ceremony
The final day of the British Transplant Games 2025 brought a change of scene. There was a final burst of energy with more track and field events, followed by the Closing Ceremony. The day offered a wonderful finish to four incredible days of sport, connection, and community.
The Closing Ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to everyone who made the Games possible. We would like to share a big congratulations to the athletes, volunteers, families and supporters who brought the 2025 British Transplant Games to life.
Join us in Sheffield 2026
The 2026 British Transplant Games will take place from 6th – 9th August, hosted in our home city of Sheffield! We’re incredibly proud to welcome the event back to the city and to offer our continued support.
Find out more information at www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk.
Keep the donation conversation going: http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/