Medal success is great but living life is the best
Transplant survivor David on his GB silverware haul
A dad bagged a silver medal at one of the world’s biggest sporting tournaments – after having his liver replaced.
David Mushet, 54, putted his way to the golf final at the World Transplant Games to bag a place in the history books.
The athlete also hit the road for a gruelling race walk and even had the energy to throw a personal best in the discus.
But sporting glory is not the true prize for the Team GB star.
David says he would swap all his medals if it encourages just one person to become an organ donor.
He said: “Taking part is great fun, but it’s important to me because it is a celebration of life.
“There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed, never mind walk or even run.
“After I had my operation, I was stuck in hospital and couldn’t wait to get outside.
“The first time I tried, it took me half an hour to walk just 100 metres.”
David travelled to the Spanish port city of Malaga to take part in the competition last month.
It was his second games after taking part in Argentina two years ago.
He added: “I finished sixth in the race walk in Spain, behind the same five guys who beat me in Buenos Aires.
“It was hot out there, so I can understand the Mexican, Spaniard and two Italians coming in front of me.
“How the Irishman managed it, I’ll never know – he must just be a better athlete.”
David is now in training for next year’s British Transplant Games in North Lanarkshire.
In the last three years, the accountant has competed in Bolton, Newcastle and Liverpool and taken home two golds and two silver.
The Paisley man is now looking forward to encouraging wife Lesley, 54, son Greig, 24, and daughter Heather, 18, to join him on the track.
He continued: “It’s going to be pretty special having it so near to home.
“The first thing that happens is the donor run, when friends and family can take part.
“I’ve roped in my wife and kids, loads of pals and family, so I’m expecting it to get a wee bit emotional.
“You see all these wee ones taking part because they’ve had a transplant or somebody they love has. “It really tugs at the heartstrings.” David’s life was saved by a transplant following a battle with chronic disease primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2013.
The uncommon condition causes the bile ducts inside and outside the liver to progressively shrink due to inflammation and scarring.
David explained: “It’s amazing that 44 per cent of Scots are on the organ donation register. David shows off his latest medal and (below) celebrating with his family
“It’s the highest rate in the UK and maybe says something about our psyche.
“To get to where I am now is incredible, but the main thing is to raise awareness.
“If somebody looks at the things I’ve achieved and it spurs them on to join the organ donation register, it’s all worthwhile.”
To join the register, visit www. organdonationscotland.org or text SAVE to 62323.