The British Transplant Games are a flagship event for Transplant Sport. Transplant survivors from as young as five will compete in the British Transplant Games with more than 25 sporting events for all abilities. The event expects to see more than 1000 transplant recipient athletes 1,700 supporters come together over four days.
Transplant survivors, donor families and recipient families come together as a community to celebrate life. Since Westfield Health first partnered with the Games in 2009, both organisations are working to raise awareness of organ donation and the lifelong impact it has on people and their loved ones.
From the creation of the Games in 1978, a different city in in Britain hosts the Games every year. The 2024 Westfield Health British Transplant Games will take place in Nottingham from Thursday 1 August to Sunday 4 August.
Why is it important?
Right now, it is estimated that over 7,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant across the UK. On average three people die every day in need of an organ transplant because there just aren’t enough organ donors. One donor can save up to nine lives and transform the lives of many more through tissue and eye donations.
The Westfield Health British Transplant Games aims to show the benefits of transplantation, encourage transplant patients to improve fitness, and increase awareness of the need to be open with loved ones and have the donation conversation. Families are more likely to support organ donation when they know with certainty what their relatives wishes are.
Steve Purdham, Chair of Westfield Health, said:
The opportunity to bring the whole transplant community together each year and unite people through sport is inspiring, and shows the hope that transplantation gives.
Starting the donation conversation
The UK laws changed in 2020 to be an “opt out” service, instead of “opt in” system for everyone over the age of 18 that is not in an excluded group. However, your family will be consulted on the decision to donate organs.
Clinicians will never proceed with organ donation if your family or loved ones object. By beginning conversations with your loved ones, this can leave them with assurance on whether you would like to be an organ donor. Whether the answer is a yes or a no, it will provide them with certainty in a difficult time.
The NHS launched the ‘Leave Them Certain’ campaign to shin a light on the impact that not knowing has on loved ones that are left behind. It encourages people to talk about their decision, and gives advice on ways to begin these conversations.
Further reading: Organ donation week: having the conversation | Westfield Health
How to get involved
Sponsorship
You are able to sponsor the British Transplant Games through partnerships, fundraising and raising awareness within your business and beyond. Find out more here.
Volunteer
There are many volunteering opportunities available for the Nottingham British Transplant Games. Find out more here.
Join a team
Each team taking part in The Games stems from a hospital coordinator who then manages the team and recruits new members for each year’s event. Find out who to contact in your area for more information here.