TRANSPLANT athlete Simon Perkin is aiming to inspire people to sign-up to donate their organs.
The Warwick resident will be taking to the track as part of Team GB at this year’s World Transplant Games in Malaga. He is one of 200 GB athletes taking part.
All the athletes have survived either a heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, liver, small bowel or bone marrow transplant.
Simon explained: “I was diagnosed with blood cancer in 1991 and after years of treatment and deteriorating health, my only option was a bone marrow transplant. I was lucky as the Anthony Nolan Trust found a donor match in July 2012, and my recovery began.
“As training for the World Transplant Games enters its final phase, it’s a reminder of how far I have come and all I have achieved. It makes me feel so proud to be alive and representing Team GB at the Games.”
Since his operation, Simon’s health has steadily improved. A major part of his recovery has been keeping himself in the best possible health and physical shape.
He added: “With just one month to go until I fly to Spain, I am training on average two hours each day, splitting my time between swimming, walking, tennis, gym work, and running.”
To raise money to compete, and to support charity Transplant Sport, Simon has launched a fundraising campaign that has so far raised more than half the total target. Law firm Lodders has donated £600, becoming Simon’s largest backer to date.
Lynne Holt, Team GB Manager, said: “Our athletes receive no government support and have to raise money themselves. Many could not accept their place on the team because of the heavy financial burden.
“They deserve the same recognition as Olympic and Paralympic competitors. Not only are they ambassadors for our country, but they are also raising awareness of the need for more people to become organ donors.
The World Transplant Games take place from June 25 to July 2. It isthe world’s largest organ donor awareness event, covering 17 sporting competitions and welcoming more than 1,000 transplant athletes from across the globe.
To support Simon’s efforts, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/SimonPerkinWTG2017.
Find out more about the NHS Organ Donation Register at organdonation.nhs.uk.
