Little Elijah Williams was keeping the Olympic spirit alive last month, representing Great Ormond Street Hospital at the 2013 British Transplant Games in Sheffield.
Four-year-old Elijah, who has been a patient at the world famous London hospital since birth, underwent a successful kidney transplant in 2010, which enabled him to enter the sporting event.
Competing against athletes from other UK hospitals, he took part in both the 25m sprint and the obstacle course, while Great Ormond Street went on to win the Best Children’s Team award at the Games.
“Elijah was unsure of whether he wanted to take part at first,” said his mother, Verity.
“But he had such a good experience, and is really keen to go again next year! We all went along to support him, and it was really inspirational to meet other transplant patients and their families.”
The annual British Transplant Games aims to encourage transplant patients of all ages to regain fitness and confidence, while also increasing public awareness of the value of organ donation and honouring the transplant recipients, donors and donor families.
“We’re incredibly proud of Elijah,” say Suzanne Collin and Suzanne Bradley, team managers for the hospital.
“The British Transplant Games are a wonderful celebration of the gift of organ donation, and show just how much our patients can go on to achieve.”
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity raises vital funds to help refurbish the hospital, fund pioneering research and provide support services for families, including support for patients taking part in the British Transplant Games.
To make a donation, visit: www.gosh.org
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