Christine Woodgate from Bishop Auckland, who underwent a life-saving transplant, is gearing up to join hundreds of fellow transplant recipients at the British Transplant Games this week.
The 64-year-old, who received a liver transplant in 2021, is heading to Nottingham for the Games which take place from August 1 – 4. This will be the first time Christine participates in the event, where she will compete in archery and petanque. This achievement seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
Christine, a former radiographer, was diagnosed with non–alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatic cell carcinoma in 2016 which resulted in her having a liver transplant five years later. At the time she was listed for transplant, the British Liver Trust put her in touch with other people who had been through the same experience.
“It was a life saver, I met people who understood how awful I felt, who were going through the same things I was”, says Christine. “I made some friends who will be friends for life. It meant so much to be able to talk to transplant recipients and see some light at the end of the black tunnel I was in. I could see how the transplant had changed their lives. I will always be grateful to the BLT for facilitating that.
“Now over two years later, I’m living the life I never thought I would have. I will never be able to thank my donor and donor family enough. I feel like a new person which is why I want to make the most of the gift of life. I want to try new things which is why I’m taking part in the Transplant Games. I am not sure how well I will do at the games, but for me taking part is what counts. Something I never thought I would be able to do, ever.”
Pam Healy, CEO of British Liver Trust, who have provided Christine with information and support commented: “The Transplant Games is a wonderful example of how organ donation saves and transforms lives and we’re delighted that Christine is now well and able to compete. We’re very excited that we shall be there as a charity for the first time this year to cheer on Christine and the many other people we have supported whose lives have been transformed by a liver transplant.”
For more information on liver disease, please visit www.britishlivertrust.org.uk or to find out about the British Transplant Games, visit http://www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
