A team of 26 athletes from Northern Ireland is taking part in the British Transplant Games, which run from 6 to 9 August in Sheffield. The group includes 20 people who have received organ or stem cell transplants and six living kidney donors.

The competition features 26 low-impact, high-exertion sports alongside social and cultural programming. Organisers say the event, now in its 45th year, aims to promote organ donor registration and support transplant recipients in maintaining active lifestyles.

Team manager Kathryn Glover said she was proud of the competitors, noting the resilience and determination they have shown. She added that without the generosity of donors, none of the athletes would be able to participate.

Among the Northern Ireland contingent is Richie Sheerin, from Londonderry, who was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow cancer in 2018 at age 35. He has undergone multiple stem cell transplants, including one from his brother, and credits cycling with helping him mentally during his recovery. Sheerin will compete in the time trial and road race cycling events.

Another competitor, Kay Hack of Coleraine, received a stem cell transplant for acute myeloid leukaemia in 2019. A former triathlete, she has previously won gold and silver medals at the games. This year she will take part in the cycling time trial, road race, donor run, 200-metre swim and shot put.

Hack said that returning to sport after a transplant requires careful attention to the body and not overdoing training, as her immune system remains weaker. She described the games as a demonstration that serious illness does not have to define a person's future and that physical activity and community can aid recovery.

All of the Northern Ireland athletes hope their participation will encourage more conversations about organ and stem cell donation. The event serves as both a celebration of life and a reminder of the impact donors and their families have.