British Transplant Games 2018

Apologies I haven’t updated you recently. Lots has been bubbling under the surface, but there was nothing definite to announce until this weekend. Then there was a lot, so excuse the long update! 

 
After a few months cramming in training for the British Transplant Games I got to compete for my hospital team Royal Papworth this weekend. And what a brilliant weekend hosted by Birmingham this year. I was lucky enough to get a couple of medals for my events and even more excitingly my team won best Heart & Lung Team. But the best thing was the fact we can all compete thanks to our donors and the amazing NHS as without them most of us wouldn’t still be alive let alone running round a track. This annual event always puts things back into perspective and raises much needed awareness.

 
Birmingham are one of the most ethically diverse cities in Britain but have until recently had one of the worst sign up rates to the current Opt In Organ Donation system. They’re especially aware with people within their city from the BAME (Black, Asian & Ethnic Minority) community needing transplants how scarce they are and have pledged to increase the number of donors!

Also this weekend it was FINALLY announced that the Soft Opt out system will be introduced in 2020!!!  �  I’m so relieved as the silence was slightly concerning. By all means keep sharing the petition as it raises much needed awareness of the crisis and the fact the donation system will be changing. 

 
As soon as as I hear more about how the public will be provided with the vital info to allow them to make an informed decision about whether to donate I will let you know. Hopefully it’ll be alike when introduced in Wales and hugely publicised.

Thank you for all your continued support.

Lucy xxx