Ava Taylor, daughter of Caroline Winkley,  our ICU Sister, has  been selected to represent the United Kingdom at 2019 World Transplant Games next year in swimming (17-24th August 2019).

The World Transplant Games in one of the largest international sporting events with over 1000 athletes from 55 countries taking part in 20 sports. At the 2017 Malaga Spain Games and just like the Olympic Games, the UK Team continues to feature at the top of the medal table. Ava is just  1 of only 12 juniors to be selected in the country for the swimming.

All participants at the World Games have received a life-saving organ transplant. Caroline, says: "Ava was born with a very rare metabolic condition (Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency) that meant her liver could not break down protein from food. She could not eat anything high in protein. SHe had a liver transplant in 2013 when she was just five years old. She now eat lots of things and loves swimming and being active and feels very proud to be selected."

In addition to the physical challenge, the World Transplant Games promote the benefits of transplantation, highlights the need donors to join the organ register and provides a rare PR opportunity generating regional, national and international media coverage. Further information on the British and World Transplant Games can be found at www.transplantsport.org.uk and www.wtgf.org.

The total cost of the preparation and participation in the Games will be approximately £1,500.

Caroline is holding a raffle on ICU to help towards the cost of funding Ava's place on the Great British team. If you would like to buy a ticket please go onto the unit or ring ex2452/3

Should you require any more information on the Games or have any questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact my mum Caroline Winkley, just.giving.com/caroline-winkley7 or the UK team manager, Lynne Holt, on 07900014344 or lholt@home.3b.co.uk