Fundraising for the World Transplant Games!

Here at Key we have an employee taking part in an incredible event in 2013. His name is Alan Avon and he received a kidney transplant when he was younger. He has been asked to play badminton in the 2013 World Transplant Games! We think this is incredible, and in his own words, it is a tremendous honour for him.

The World Transplant Games Federation was officially formed in 1987 and now has nearly 70 member countries. Its goal is to raise awareness of the success and importance of organ donation, and the organisation also helps with the rehabilitation of people after having a successful organ transplant. To find out more information about the work they do, visit http://www.wtgf.org/default.asp

In January 2013 Alan is doing a marathon bike ride of 26.4 miles around Moors Valley Country Park to raise funds for his place in the 2013 games. If you want to support him or give a donation, visit http://www.justgiving.com/alanavon for more information.

I caught up with Alan to find out more his motivation for taking part in these games.

Jess: Hi Alan. When did you have your kidney transplant? Did you have any support from organisations like this at the time? Alan: I had my transplant when I was about 15, and the only support I received at the time was from the hospital.

Jess: How did you find out about the World Transplant Games Federation, and how did you become involved? Alan: I found out about the UK and Northern Ireland games from the hospital, and I went on to receive a gold in archery and a bronze in badminton. From these games I was invited to take part in the World Transplant Games Federation in 2013.

Jess: Have you taken part in these games before or is this the first time you will partake in it? Alan: No, this will be my first time in taking part in the world games.

Jess: Are you planning any more fund raisers after the bike ride in January? Alan: There is nothing planned at the moment, but I hope to arrange some more fund raisers.

Jess: I have looked on the website and it sounds very exciting and interesting. What do you feel is the most important part of the work they do? Alan: I view the raising awareness of the success of transplants very important because there are far more people on the waiting list than there are donors, which means some people will not receive the help they need!