For one Wittering women it will be an extra-special occasion as she celebrates 15 years since her life-changing kidney transplant surgery.

Pauline Baird, from Hillside Gardens, will be attending her sixth transplant games, and said: "The games really promote transplants and the donor register usually goes up in the six months following them. It's such a great event to be a part of, as it is so positive."

The 31st Westfield Health British Transplant Games takes place in Sheffield from August 7 to August 11 and sees more than 900 transplant athletes compete.

She said: "I'm not that sporty, but I love being sociable and it's a brilliant few days. Nobody really talks about transplants, it really is just a chance to have fun".

The Games committee has also agreed to allow Pauline to name a trophy in memory of her younger sister, Lynsey, who had cerebral palsy and died aged just 26 in 2003.

Pauline will be presenting the swimming relay children's winner with the award in front of their parents.

She said: "I wanted to give something that was positive, and the kids are just brilliant at the games.

"They have been through so much and are so resilient, I thought it would be a lovely way to remember Lynsey."

Having attended her first games in 1994, she won her first medal last year – a silver in the cricket ball throw – and will be competing in the cricket ball, three kilometre run and three kilometre walk.

Prior to her kidney transplant, on August 31, 1993, Scottish-born Pauline (42) was on dialysis four times a day for three years after going into renal failure aged 23.

She said: "Before the transplant, I know it sounds stupid, but I found it hard as it ruined my social life. I was in my 20s, I was continously tired, I couldn't drink and couldn't eat.

"Getting the kidney was amazing, I went mad a bit afterwards as it was fantastic to be back to normal.

"The hardest part is the fact that someone has died so you can live. I had the chance to write to the parents of the donor to say thank you.

"It's difficult when people are congratulating you and you know a family is arranging a funeral, but I think writing to them helped me and I hope it helped them to see some good had come out of their tragedy."

Pauline said: "It is strange having had my new kidneys for all this time. At first you are constantly worrying they will fail, and as the doctors don't really know how long things last it really is a guessing game.

"When I meet people who have a transplant I always tell them about the games as they are so fantastic and inspiring for everyone."

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit www.uktransplant.org.uk or call 0845 60 60 400

ET Comment.

External link:
The British Transplant Games 2008 - www.transplantsport.org.uk.