A Carlisle woman is gearing up to represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Games later this year.
The games take place in Dresden in Germany from August 17 and Becky Seaton is making preparations to compete in sprinting, long jump and high jump.
Becky received a lifesaving kidney and pancreas transplant in 2016.
She brought home five gold medals and a silver from the 2023 World Transplant Games in Australia and continued her winning streak with four medals at the European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Lisbon last summer.
She said: “Every stride I take on the track is a tribute to my donor and their family.
£They gave me a second chance at life, and I carry their gift with me every day. I hope that by competing, I can help others see just how life-changing organ donation can be!”
The World Transplant Games, supported by the International Olympic Committee, will see over 1,000 transplant athletes from 60 countries come together.
Team GB is made up of over 300 athletes, including 30 juniors and 20 donor and live donor families, will be joined by a team of dedicated supporters and volunteers.
Becky added: “Sport gives us visibility. It gives us a voice. And it allows us to show the world that organ donation works – it saves lives. If just one person signs the register or talks to their family because of this, then that’s a win greater than any medal!
“I also want to say a heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, coach, GLL Leisure, NCKPA, Kendal Organ Donor Town and every single supporter who has stood by me.
“I truly wouldn’t be able to do this without your encouragement, belief, and support. You’ve helped make this dream possible, and I carry your love with me to the start line.”
Currently, over 8,000 people in the UK are waiting for a transplant.
Despite this urgent need, only 61% of the population are registered as organ donors, and 43% of families still refuse consent. Becky said she hoped her story would encourage more people to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register and talk to their loved ones about their wishes.
She added: “I train hard, but this is more than sport. This is about giving hope to those waiting, raising awareness and saying thank you to those who’ve already given the ultimate gift!”
