Every medal won at the British Transplant Games signifies not only an athletic achievement but also a tale of survival and great generosity. The athletes vie not for personal glory but to honor those organ donors who have given them a fresh lease of life.
Jenny Glithero’s journey is indeed a testament to survival. Following an emergency liver transplant, she found herself at odds with her weak and frail body, a shell of her formerly fit self. Today, she stands as a beacon of resilience, training tirelessly for the British Transplant Games, a prestigious sporting event exclusively for organ transplant recipients.
Glithero was an avid cyclist, cycling 20 miles daily, and would even climb London’s Highgate Hill for fun. After her transplant, she had to relearn how to breathe and then to walk. Fast forward six months, and she was back on her bike, with her sights set on competing in the Transplant Games. For her, these games are an opportunity to pay homage to the anonymous donor who saved her life.
Despite the introduction of the opt-out law in England in 2020, there are currently more than 8,000 people waiting for a life-saving organ donation. Lynne Holt, manager of Transplant Team GB, mentions that families can still refuse to give consent, hence the importance of discussing organ donation wishes with them. These issues are also addressed during the World Transplant Games which were held in Dresden, Germany. These games promote organ donation awareness and demonstrate how enriching life can be post-transplant.
The British Transplant Games are a stepping stone for athletes wishing to represent Team GB at the World Transplant Games. Notably, the families of organ donors are considered the VIPs of these games, as they have gifted life to the participants.
Sue Burton, mother of an organ donor, describes the decision to donate her son’s organs as “natural” and is immensely proud of her son’s legacy. The games are also a source of inspiration and camaraderie for attendees. Kidney transplant recipient, Declan Logue, views the games as a gathering of a unique family, sharing experiences and bonding over their common journey.
Apart from raising awareness about the importance of organ donation, the British Transplant Games also encourage transplant recipients to maintain an active lifestyle. The medications taken by transplant recipients to prevent their bodies from rejecting the new organ often lead to weight gain. Participating in these games therefore not only keeps them fit but also prolongs the life of the graft, providing a goal to strive towards.
The games have transformed the lives of many participants, instilling a sense of belonging and gratitude. Glithero encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, “Why do I train? Why do I do this? Because I’ve been given the gift of life. It’s about showing up for my donor. To give thanks. Some people go to church. I get on the bike.”
Main image: WTG2025/YesVideography
