We couldn’t be prouder of our King’s Children’s Team for bringing home the overall team winners award! But more importantly, everyone had a great time, gained new skills, built confidence, and made lifelong friends - that’s what the British Transplant Games are all about.
Our youngest participant was just 22 months old, while at the other end of the spectrum, we had three 17-year-olds who will be graduating and joining the King’s Adult team next year. These amazing young people have been with Team King’s since they were 9 and have participated in every British Transplant Games since Liverpool 2016. We’re so excited to see them continue their journey with the King’s Young Adults team next year!
This year, four members also brought home Gold in the track relay!
The Games provide important peer support for our transplanted children, boosting both their mental and physical health. We’re so proud to be part of this incredible initiative and congratulate everyone who participated this year!
Albie's Story
In 2021, Albie suddenly fell ill, prompting his mum to take him to the doctor. He was then admitted to the hospital.
After numerous blood tests and other examinations, he spent a week at his local hospital before being transferred by ambulance to King's, where he stayed for another week.
It was during this time that Albie's family learned he had acute liver failure and required a liver transplant.
Fortunately, Albie has since recovered and is now determined to give back to the hospital that saved his life.
"I knew nothing about the Transplant Games before Albie had a transplant and then we happened to see it on some programme he was watching on the television, a girl who had a liver transplant", said Albie's mum.
"She was taking part in the Games and I think that's when I looked it up and contacted our team manager. Last year was Albie’s first Transplant Games, and I had no idea what to expect. It was on a much larger scale than I ever imagined."
King's Liver Transplant Unit runs the largest transplantation programme in Europe, carrying out more than 200 procedures a year.
"They're specialists at what they do, I couldn't fault the care that we've had during the time we were at King’s, during the whole transplant process. And afterwards, obviously, we still have to go back and forth a few times a year and regular contact with them, for blood results and things. Albie wouldn't be still here if it wasn't for them, so it's really important we support them."
