Coventry hosting 45th British Transplant Games 2023
The British Transplant Games is the flagship event of Transplant Sport.
The 45th British Transplant Games (BTG) is taking place in Coventry from today (27 July).
The event highlights the life-changing benefits of transplants and raises awareness of the ongoing need for organ donation.
The Games also encourages transplant patients to come together, regain their fitness, and share their experiences.
One of the youngest competitors, Camiyah Burton, is excited to compete in her hometown - alongside her mum, dad and brother.
Her mum, Abbie McClean, said: "The main reason we want to take part is to raise awareness. A lot of people saw how sick Camiyah was. So, to see her now, running around, doing the thing she loves to do, and what she is able to do - it's all because of the transplant and the gift of life she received because without that she wouldn't be here today."
Camiyah received a new liver a week before her first birthday, but she went on to be diagnosed with cancer in her voice box caused by the immunosuppressant medication she had been taking post-transplant.
After receiving a series of targeted drugs to treat the cancer, a biopsy later revealed she had no more cancerous cells.
Camiyah’s journey has been documented on Tik Tok and Instagram, by Abbie, and she was able to find the donor family through a Tik Tok post.
Abbie explained: "We are also taking part in memory of her donor, Amy. We're so grateful and words will never be enough to express how grateful we really are for the decision that family made on that day. And I think it's a great opportunity to keep her memory alive."
Around 1,000 athletes plus family, friends, and live donors from across the UK will all travel to Coventry from Thursday 27th July - Sunday 30th July, taking part in over 20 sporting events in various venues across the city.
Councillor Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader at Coventry City Council said: "On behalf of the Council, I’d like to thank all the stakeholders who have collaborated to bring another outstanding, meaningful event with huge social impact to the region. We have hosted some fantastic sporting events in the city, so we are really excited to be the host city for the 2023 Westfield Health British Transplant Games.
"This is an extremely special event that promotes more than sport and physical activity. We look forward to supporting the Games every step of the way and promoting transplantation and celebrating the athletes' inspirational stories."
Currently across the UK around 7,000 people, including 200 children, are waiting for an organ transplant.