A County Durham woman has spoken of how her heart donor gave her "a new life" after winning medals at the European Transplant Games. Louise McLellan, 56, a dog trainer and mother of one, was swim captain for the national team at the event in Arnhem, Netherlands, in June.
Transplant games highlight life after transplant
Louise, who had a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital 12 years ago, said events like the transplant games show those waiting that life can be transformed. She emphasised the power of donating, given long waiting lists for donor organs.
"This was my fourth European Transplant Games and I have done many British Transplant Games and two World Transplant Games," she said. "It's amazing to have all those people in the same place who show life after transplants. For me that's the big thing - it really emphasises how you can thrive after transplant."
A new life after congenital heart condition
Louise lived with a serious congenital heart condition for much of her life and was in "multi-organ failure" before her transplant. Now she is a regular games participant.
"I had a congenital heart issue. I couldn't do any sort of cardio, I would struggle to walk - so for me it [the transplant] gave me a new life," she said. "And at the games you are surrounded by other people who are also only there because someone gave them that chance."
Hot weather in Arnhem but swimming success
Hot temperatures in Arnhem meant some track and field events were cancelled, but Louise's swimming events went ahead. She picked up gold medals. "It was a really hot week - good for swimming," she added. "A lot of the events at the start of the week went on but for the track and field at the end of the week it was too hot. I was there for the opening ceremony and two swimming days - and was one of the swim captains."
Team GB's largest delegation
The event is held jointly by the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Federation (ETDSF) and the European Heart and Lung Transplant Federation (EHLTF). Team GB sent a team of 150 people, the largest delegation, including 86 competitors like Louise - all of whom have had a heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, liver or stem cell transplant, or been a live donor.
Lynne Holt, known as "the Angel of the Freeman Hospital" on her retirement in 2015, is the GB team manager and patron. She said there were also 60 supporters including friends, family, volunteer managers and physiotherapists.
To find out more about organ donation, visit organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app. It is important to tell loved ones about your decision.
