(Feb 7, 2011)
This year, Luton-based employees of SKF (U.K.) Limited will be sponsoring local kidney transplant survivor, Ottilie Morgan, who will participate in the World Transplant Games in Gothenburg, Sweden, during June 2011.
Ottilie, who is the daughter-in-law of environmental manager Brian Morgan, will be representing the United Kingdom in cycling events and volleyball. The UK team will be made up of 100 adult and 40 child transplant athletes; all supported by the charity Transplant Sport UK (TSUK), whose purpose is to help transplant recipients lead a normal and active life.
With more than 10,000 people in the UK currently needing a transplant, TSUK help to raise awareness of organ donation. Last year (2009-10) a record 3,709 people had their lives transformed by a transplant, and approximately one in four was from a living donor. In the UK, 28% of the population have joined the Organ Donation Register, but unfortunately there is still a huge shortage of organs.
Ottilie Morgan displaying the medals she won at the British Transplant Games in 2010
Ottilie received her life saving gift of a kidney from her mother in 2007. In December 2006, at the age of 24, Ottilie was diagnosed with the kidney disease Reflux Nephropathy, and was informed that a donor kidney was required to avoid becoming dependant on a dialysis machine for the remainder of her life. After being referred to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, Ottilie's family underwent various tests to determine a suitable donor. It took 9 months before her mother was selected as a donor.
Ottilie told us, "The transplant went ahead on the morning of Tuesday 14th August 2007, and was a long operation for both of us. Our operations were performed by Professor Bradley at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. My mum had her left kidney removed via keyhole surgery. My open surgery left me with an awesome scar to remember what my mum has done for me forever. Following the surgery I went onto the high dependency unit where my bed was next to my mum's on the transplant unit ward".
Ottilie continued, "Both Mum and I were off work for 12 weeks to recuperate and rehabilitate. My rehab involved going back to Adenbrookes Hospital twice a week for tests to check the kidney function. The first 6 months after the transplant are said to be the most crucial as the graft has to be accepted by the body and not rejected. I currently have to go back to my local transplant clinic at Lister Hospital every 4-8 weeks."
Ottilie participating in the 10km cycling road race during the British Transplant Games
Ottilie works at Barnfield College in Luton, where she teaches various sports-related courses and is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She became aware of the British Transplant Games at Addenbrookes who knew of her sporting background. At the British Games in August 2010, Ottilie won 3 gold medals in the 5km cycling time trial, 10km cycling road race and cricket ball throw; and a silver in the team volleyball tournament. It was during her training for this, that she set her sights on the World Transplant Games, and was selected to represent the UK in Gothenburg following her success at the British Games.
"After being selected, I've had to increase my training whilst maintaining my health. People don't realise that transplants aren't a cure - they are a treatment, so I have to look after my kidney with continual medication and a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, my kidney could possibly still reject - but I don't think about it, always positive thinking," Ottilie explained.
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