5 days ago
12-year-old boy heading to British Transplant Games
A 12-year-old boy from Ferndown is heading to Oxford at the British Transplant Games later this month.
It will be the third time Albie has competed in the Games since undergoing a life-saving transplant after suffering acute liver failure in 2021.
Albie, who has always been sporty, will be taking part in the tennis, table tennis, football and athletics competitions and will be joined by his mum and three brothers for the donor run, a huge celebration of the gift of organ donation.
The event has become a fixture in the family's calendar since Albie received his liver transplant.
His mother Verity said: 'It gives us a chance to celebrate him and how brave he is.
'He gets to be with other children who take the same immunosuppressant medication, who have to deal with hospitals and tests on a regular basis and who all have massive scars.
"He's no longer the odd one out, like he is in his everyday life.
"It's great for me as a parent and his brothers to be with other parents and siblings who have to care for a transplanted child, to share stories and advice.
"And it's really encouraging for me to see older children and adults who have gone on to lead a normal healthy life after a liver transplant.
'We'll also get to catch up with the team from Children's Liver Disease Foundation who have provided us with information and support since Albie received his transplant. It's important in these situations to know that you're not alone.'
Michelle Wilkins, head of children's and families services at Children's Liver Disease Foundation, said: 'The Transplant Games is a wonderful example of what organ donation really means.
'We're really looking forward to catching up with families we have supported over many years and seeing the fantastic progress their children have made.
"We know how much Albie loves his sport, so we have high hopes we'll be celebrating some medals!'
Children's Liver Disease Foundation, which has now merged with the British Liver Trust, provides services to children and adults with liver disease by providing support services, information, and research funding.