Success for Evelina London’s transplant patients at British Transplant Games

A team of Evelina London kidney transplant patients recently took part in the British Transplant Games in Coventry. The group, nicknamed the Evelina VIPs, were awarded ‘best kidney kids team’ at the event.

Evelina London saw its biggest team take part in the British Transplant Games since before the pandemic. 35 children and young people aged three to 17 years old, all of whom have undergone transplant surgery, competed in multiple events from track and field, archery, cycling, swimming and racquet sports. Across the weekend, the team won 45 medals.

Each year at the British Transplant Games, transplant recipients, donor families, competitors, family members and friends take to the streets of the host city to take part in the emotionally-charged 5K Donor Run, which raises awareness of the benefits of transplantation and pays tribute to organ donors.  At this year’s games, 130 ‘Evelina VIP’ supporters, including Evelina London staff, took part in the 5k Donor Run.

Transplant team paediatric advanced nurse practitioner and Evelina VIPs team manager, Grainne Walsh said: “The British Transplant Games have a huge place in the hearts of all the Evelina London staff and volunteers who attend each year. Being able to see the children and young people compete and forget about their condition for just a few days is a privilege.

“The VIPs will be patients for life and the Transplant Games are my team’s chance to facilitate much needed support to them and their families. I want to say a huge thank you to the Evelina London Children’s Charity without whom we wouldn’t be able to provide this much needed support. Thank you also to our Guy’s & St Thomas’ Kidney Patients Association and to the Kidney Care UK Charity who have been long term supporters.”

Support the fundraising for next year’s event.