Heart transplantee from Salisbury to represent Team GB in the World Transplant Games
Lucy Ryan is heading to Australia to compete
Last updated 21st Mar 2023
Lucy Ryan from Salisbury is going to represent Great Britain at the 2023 World Transplant Games in April.
Lucy, who had a heart transplant as a child in 1993, will compete in the 3k walking race at the games being held in Perth, Australia.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in, it all feels a bit surreal,” Lucy told Greatest Hits Radio, adding: “Obviously, I’m wearing the Team GB kit at training meetings, but until I’m in Australia and competing, it all feels like a dream at the moment, because I never imagined I’d be in Team GB.”
Lucy qualified for the World games, an event recognised by the International Olympic Committee, through the British Transplant Games (BTG) and setting a quick enough time to make the cut.
Asked what she hoped to achieve, Lucy said: “I’m not going to hold my breath for any medals, I’m competing against 50 other countries and these are the best of the best!
“It will just be a great experience to showcase how beneficial donation and transplant life can be on an international scale.”
Lucy revealed to us that she celebrates her 30th anniversary as a transplantee whilst in Australia, with the 24th games starting on April 15th and lasting a week.
You can donate to support Lucy through her GoFundMe page - https://www.gofundme.com/f/me-compete-in-the-world-transplant-games-2023