Record numbers are set to turn out in Sheffield for a major multi-sport event that will celebrate the gift of life given to transplant recipients.
The Westfield Health British Transplant Games is gearing up to welcome more than 2,850 people to the steel city between 6 and 9 August – meaning it will be the biggest attendance in the event’s 48-year history.
A total of 2,857 people have registered to participate; demonstrating how the Games continue to grow and further underlining the positive impact the event will have on the city, economically and socially.
The record-breaking figure includes 1,124 organ and stem cell transplanted athletes – a 5% increase on the previous highest total - 219 live donors and 1,514 supporters. On top of this there will be 200 volunteers, who will welcome participants and visitors to the region, and a team of 52 highly-trained therapists providing voluntary medical support.
The Games – which is the flagship event of Transplant Active – seeks to demonstrate the healthy, fulfilling lives that transplant recipients can lead, while thanking live donors and donor families for their life-changing generosity.
It will host 26 different sports from athletics and golf to swimming and snooker to name a few, with the vast majority of sports being held across Sheffield.
It will also feature a donor run – featuring 2.5k and 5k versions – through the city centre on Saturday, August 8 at 6.30pm for transplant recipients, donors and their families, and other supporters of organ donation to take part in.
At the last count, 2,000 people had already registered for the donor run, which is starting and finishing at Barker’s Pool in the city centre. The sports venues have limited capacity, though members of the public are actively encouraged to turn out for the donor run. Registrations for the donor run will close when the total reaches 2,500, which is expected to be met soon.
The Games’ arrival in Sheffield comes as the organ transplant waiting list in the UK is at record levels, topping more than 8,000 according to NHS Blood and Transplant, with 149 of those from South Yorkshire*.
And organisers hope the Games will encourage more people to commit to donating organs themselves by confirming their consent via the NHS Organ Donation register, and address an organ donation rate of just seven per cent among Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Transplant Active, said: “These record-breaking numbers demonstrate just how much these Games mean to so many people, and it reflects the growing impact of the Games and the transplant community across the UK.
“The event is a vehicle to showcase to the transplant community – and indeed those waiting for a transplant – the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle post-transplant and the life-changing impact it can have.
“We must not forget, however, that more people than ever are waiting for a transplant.
“When someone passes away it will be their immediate family who need to provide consent as to whether their organs are donated, so it is crucial that as many people as possible have that conversation with their families about their desire to donate.
“One ‘yes’ to donation could save up to nine lives, and the Games is a heartwarming symbol of what this generosity can produce.”
Steve Purdham, Chairman at Westfield Health, added: “To see the British Transplant Games attract its largest ever number of participants is truly remarkable and a testament to the strength, resilience and spirit of the transplant community.
“As headline sponsors, Westfield Health are incredibly proud to support an event that not only celebrates the life-changing impact of organ donation, but will also bring thousands of people together in Sheffield to share their stories, celebrate their achievements and spread the message of hope.”
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We’re honoured to be welcoming the British Transplant Games back to Sheffield and proud to host a record number of athletes.
“The Games are a celebration of transplant recipients, donors and their families, and an opportunity for communities across our city to come together in support of an incredibly important cause.
“The impact of the Games goes far beyond the sporting competition itself. They help raise awareness of organ donation, encourage vital conversations, and show the life-changing difference that donation can make. We’re delighted to welcome everyone visiting Sheffield and look forward to showcasing our city while helping to spread a message that can save lives.
“Events like the British Transplant Games also bring thousands of visitors into Sheffield, supporting local businesses, creating opportunities and giving our economy a boost. It’s a fantastic example of how major events can make a real difference both to the people taking part and to our city as a whole.”
For more information about the Westfield Health British Transplant Games visit www.transplantactive.co.uk
Adults can sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register to become a donor whilst they are alive. For more information about the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk