Kidney Transplant recipient George Penhaligan with his medal

by Alan McGuinness

Special athletes of all ages from across the UK will converge on Medway from today, each with their own unique story to tell.

For they have all won the race for life thanks to an organ transplant, meaning they are winners before the competition has even started.

Now it’s Medway’s turn to host a sporting extravaganza, which celebrates the second chance these remarkable people have been given.

Many of them are here today because someone took the time to sign up to the Organ Donor Register.

As well as celebrating the lucky ones that have had a transplant, the Westfield Health British Transplant Games aims to increase the number of people on the Organ Donor Register.

Rodney Chambers, leader of Medway Council, said: “The Games are a recognition of what people can achieve after having transplants.

"We’re absolutely delighted they’ve chosen Medway and it reinforces our desire to make Medway Park an arena of sporting excellence and opportunity.

“I would encourage not only the people of Medway but the wider community to come along to appreciate just what these people have achieved after a transplant.”

The Games, which start today and finish on Sunday, include track and field events, snooker, badminton, swimming, squash, tennis and canoeing.

The majority of events, which will see more than 500 athletes competing for medals, will be held at Medway Park in Gillingham.

The opening ceremony, at Rochester Cathedral today, will be preceded by an athlete’s parade from Rochester Castle.

Families who have lost loved ones and made the difficult decision to donate their organs will also be there.

Heart and lung transplant recipient Lisa Innes, from Walderslade Woods, will receive the BTG torch and flag along with Medway Council’s Bob Dimond.

Before the procedure, the mother-of-one was in a wheelchair, weighed little more than five stone and relied on a concoction of drugs to keep her alive.

Paul German, who carried the Olympic Torch through Chatham last month and will compete in badminton at the Games, will take the transplant athlete’s oath.

His life was transformed when he received a kidney from his father when he was 18.

Paul and Lisa are among the lucky ones, many people die waiting for a transplant. A few minutes of your time would ensure more people get a chance like them.

Also taking part is George Penhaligan (pictured above top, and in hospital).

George had to have a transplant in January 2010 and luckily, his dad Phil's kidney was a perfect match.

As well as the Games, a Donor Run covering distances from 3km to 5km will take place at the Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham, on August 25.

You can donate to the games or provide sponsorship, as well as volunteer. For information call 0114 2571023.

n For pictures from our sign-up event, see Monday's Medway Messenger

More than 50 people in the Medway postcode area are waiting for a transplant, with 152 across Kent. A total of 184,000 people are on the Organ Donor Register in the Towns’ postcode area, with 556,000 signed up in the county as a whole.

Members of the public are more than welcome to come to the Games to watch the events, with everything free of charge.

People are also encouraged to take part in a donor run, covering distances of 3km and 5km at the Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham, on Saturday. More than 300 people have signed up so far.

Volunteers are also needed to help out at the Games, and you can register your interest by going to Medway Park on the first day of the Games.