Success for Wythenshawe Hospital at the British Transplant Games

The Wythenshawe Hospital Transplant Sports Team has returned from the British Transplant Games with 30 medals.

The 22-strong team won eight gold medals, 10 silvers and 12 bronze medals at the event in Liverpool

The hospital team fielded four women and 18 men, ranging in age from 22 to 69 years. Seven of the team have had lung transplants and 15 new hearts.

One competitor, Bill Noble, 69, from Littleborough, won six gold medals in the pool at the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games two weeks ago.

Bill was awarded the Super Veteran Trophy and the Best Heart Recipient Trophy in Liverpool.

He swam for Great Britain as a youth but was forced to give up the sport after his heart stopped suddenly while in the pool at a competition.

Fortunately he was saved by the lifeguards but he was told never to swim again by his doctors.

However, decades later, having finally been diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy – a rare disease of the heart muscle – he underwent a heart transplant nine years ago and started swimming again as recuperation.

Mr Rajamiyer Venkateswaran, Director of Transplantation and Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at UHSM’s Transplant Unit, said: “ They are an inspiration and we are delighted to see them go on to lead such healthy, rewarding and fulfilled lives, where they are able to enjoy sports again.”