Meet the kids competing at the Transplant Games

Hundreds of children will be competing at the 2024 British Transplant Games

Hundreds of children will be competing at the 2024 British Transplant games in Nottingham this summer.

Each of these children have had life-saving transplants.

A transplant is when a healthy organ is taken from one person and given to someone because there's isn't working properly.

Around 200 children in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant that will save their life.

The games take place in a different city every year

The British Transplant Games have been running every year since 1978.

This year they will take place between 1 August and 4 August.

Visiting different UK cities each year, the games bring together those who have received an organ donation from the ages of three to over 80!

There are more than 25 sporting events held across four days and thousands of supporters will be there to cheer them on.

Let's meet some of the children taking part!

Sofia, this year's youngest competitor

Sofia and her dad, Pete, who was her donor

Sofia received a liver transplant when she was two months old.

After finding out she needed a transplant, both her mum and dad were tested to see if they would be a suitable match.

Sofia and her parents just 10 days after the transplant

Sofia's dad was a match and she had her transplant on 19 July 2023.

Now nearly two, and fully healthy, Sofia is this year's youngest competitor at the games.

Her mum says she is very excited to take part and has been practising her running in the garden.

Joseph's life saving birthday present

Joseph received his transplant from his mum

Six-year-old Joseph began to get poorly when he was three and had his kidney transplant the day after his 4th birthday.

In Joseph's case, his mum was a match and was able to be a live donor and give him one of her kidneys.

He is very proud of his kidney scar from his operation and will be competing for the Nottingham Children's team at the Transplant Games this summer.

Henry's story:

Henry had his transplant when he was 18 months old

Henry received his kidney donation from a live donor - his granddad!

Before Henry was born, his parent were told that he would need a kidney donation and both Henry's dad and granddad went to find out if they were a match.

Both of them were, and it was decided his grandad would donate one of his kidneys to Henry.

Henry was in hospital for a while when he was little

After some difficulties during his recovery, he's now six and heading to his second games.

This year he'll compete in the donor run, obstacle race, cup stacking and the ball throw!