Wokingham athlete Helen Wilson added more medals to her collection with a triumphant spell at the World Transplant Games.
Competing in Perth, Australia, Helen was part of Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland who took the largest team to the games outside of the host nation.
Helen collected a medal in all three of her events. She won gold in discus which means she became the world champion in her age group and added to that with silver medals in both javelin and shot put.
“I am absolutely delighted to have come home with three medals,” said Helen.
“Two silvers and a gold medal were more than I had hoped for and I am so grateful to have been selected for Team GB and to have had this opportunity.
“Being successful will help in my efforts to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and of having the conversation about organ donation with your loved ones so that they are aware of your wishes when the time comes.”
Helen paid tribute to her brother Steve who donated his kidney to her after she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2005.
Helen became ill again in 2013 with polycystic liver disease and was fortunate to receive a new liver from a donor family which saved her life.
“I know how lucky I am to still be here and that is purely thanks to organ donation,” continued Helen.
“I am forever grateful to my brother and my donor family for giving me the gift of life, not once but twice.
“I’m determined to live my life to the full and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”
Helen has now competed at six British Transplant Games, one European Transplant Games and two World Transplant Games since 2015.
She now has her sights set on competing at the World Games in Germany, 2025 and the British Games in July.
The GB team of 120 athletes came home with 223 medals, 100 golds, 73 silvers and 50 bronze which saw them top the table.
Team GB manager, Lynne Holt added : “We are delighted yet again to top the medal table, demonstrating the benefits of transplantation.
The team spirit, the support of the coaches, captains, management, medical and sport therapy teams, all Transplant Sport volunteers who give their time freely, ensured that all performed to their potential and beyond, celebrating the Gift of Life and in doing so, paying tribute to their donors.
“Not only are these athletes’ ambassadors for organ donation, but they are also representing the charity, Transplant Sport, with the aim to raise awareness of organ donation here in the UK and globally. Part of this also includes encouraging conversations with friends and family to discuss their wishes regarding organ donation and signing up on the Organ Donor Register.”
