Gold medals for SW at World Transplant Games

Two competitors from the South West have triumphed in Argentina winning gold medals in the World Transplant Games.

Bradley Ball, from Plymouth, and Tracy Carroll, from Helston, represented Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 20th World Transplant Games. Both competitors have received life-saving kidney transplants from Derriford Hospital.

Bradley won gold in the Team Golf plus an individual silver. After two days of hard swimming, Tracy’s final tally was three gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

Their achievements helped Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland top the medals table with a total of 245, including 121 gold. The team was followed by Argentina with 144 medals - 54 gold - and South Africa with 89 medals - 41 gold.

Janet Jenkins, Team South West Manager, said, “These wishes comes not just from myself but everyone within the local team, support members and the health team at both Derriford and in Cornwall . We are all so proud of Bradley and Tracy on the achievements at their first World Transplant Games in Argentina.

“They are both inspiring individuals on the benefits of organ transplantation and they have gone through the many difficulties to get the ultimate ‘medal’ - a new kidney - then to go on and show what can be achieved afterwards. A big well done and congratulations to you both.”

Claire West, Plymouth Hospitals Research Nurse Specialist and Deputy Team Manager, added: “I would like to say Congratulations to both Brad and Tracy on their fantastic achievements. They have both demonstrated the benefits of organ donation and what a difference transplantation can make.”

Tracy received her kidney transplant in 2011 and receives her follow-up monitoring from the renal team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
She said: “As this is my first time attending the World Transplant Games I had no idea what it would be like, however, the experience surpassed all expectations. As well as showing the benefits of organ donation through our successes in the competition, we also remembered our donors, without whom, we might not be here.

“The games are extremely friendly and I have made new friends in all corners of the globe.

“I did not expect to perform as well as I did and I'm still on cloud nine having come home with a medal in each of my races! It shows that all my hard work and determination has paid dividends.”

Bradley received his kidney transplant on the 13th of October 2012. Prior to the transplant he used to play football. Before travelling to Argentina he said: “I hope to just help raise awareness for organ donation.”

On August 23 the pair had joined 123 team members to compete in the week-long event against rival teams from around the world. Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland is entirely self-funded.