Transplant Games success
A Paisley dad who received a liver transplant loved competing in front of a home crowd.
Accountant David Mushet, 54, underwent a transplant in 2013 and has since been involved in sporting events around the world.
He took part in the British Transplant Games in North Lanarkshire last week, competing in a number of events.
He said: “I took fifth place in golf and discus and bronze in the race walk. I was also press ganged into taking part in the 4x100m relay race, where we were fourth in our heat.
“It was only the fourth time the games have been held in Scotland, and the first time in 10 years, so I was really looking forward to competing in front of a home crowd.
“I’ve been to four British Transplant Games and two World Transplant Games and this was the best organised event I’ve been to.
“North Lanarkshire Council excelled themselves and produced special seven-sided medals to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the games.
“I struggled with form during the weekend as I had targeted my efforts on the World Transplant Games in Malaga three weeks earlier, where I was lucky enough to win a silver medal in the golf pairs with my Edinburgh and Great Britain teammate Neville Cunningham.”
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 had to take over as manager of the Edinburgh Transplant Team ahead of the games as the team leader required a second transplant.
He added: “I stepped and was delighted to oversee our largest team of 24 athletes and 14 supporters.
“We brought home a record haul of 45 medals across all sports – 16 gold, 15 silver and 14 bronze.
“The highlight of the week was when my teammates presented me with a silver quaich at the closing ceremon, acknowledging my efforts in the role.
“It was a humbling moment and I was left speechless.”
Next up for David is, hopefully, another first.
He said: “I’ve never been to a European Transplant Games so I’m hoping to go to Sardinia, in Italy, next summer to represent Great Britain.
“And, at the end of May, the Edinburgh Transplant Team is taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Relay with each member having been a recipient of a life saving transplant.
To join the NHS Organ Donor Register and help save lives text: SAVE to 62323, call 0300 123 2323 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk
It was a humbling moment David Mushet