Blom bags bronze at transplant games
A champion cyclist has bagged another medal – less than a year after receiving a new kidney.
Stephen Blom, 39, beat the odds to take a podium place at the British Transplant Games.
The feat was even more remarkable because the rider – nicknamed The Flying Dutchman – had to break from training after an infection put him back on dialysis.
Stephen took part in the tournament to support his Return To Life charity, which helps others battling organ failure get back on their feet.
He told the Paisley Daily Express: “My training wasn’t going the way I wanted to and I found out my kidney was only operating at 40 per cent.
“I didn’t want to give up and just tried to do my best.
“I couldn’t believe it when I finished in third.
“My doctors have told me it’s almost unheard of to get back into sport so quickly after a transplant.”
Return to Life offers support to those dealing with kidney failure.
Stephen has set-up a gym to help those waiting for an operation lose weight to go under the knife.
He has also opened a crucial advice service to help those whose lives have been turned upside down by illness.
Stephen added: “Many of those locked in their battle end up leaving their jobs to concentrate on their health.
“When I was forced to leave my job, I had no idea what benefits I was entitled to and who to ask to find out.
“We want to help cut through all the red tape and get people what they are entitled to.”
Stephen has taken delivery of spin bikes, weight machines and a treadmill, all donated by the public.
The cause operates out of Charleston House on Paisley’s Neilston Road.
Stephen added: “There’s so many people waiting on a transplant, who cannot take it because they are obese and it’s too risky.
“When they feel ready, we want to help them get in the best possible shape for the operation.
“We’ve been really lucky because William Cosh, who owns the building, has let us use the premises rent free.
“We’re going to go need to start bringing in more money or else we might need to downsize.
“That would mean we would not be able to help all the people we want to.”
Stephen – who grew up in the Netherlands, before moving to Johnstone when he was 12 – was told he was suffering from kidney failure in 2015.
The super- fit cyclist had won countless titles and set course records in competitions all over the world.
He was left on the verge of death after falling ill while riding in Lanzarote and was rushed back to the UK.
He triumphed in the cycling time trial at the British Transplant Games in Strathclyde Park, Glasgow, in July.
But he admits his sights are set on taking home a medal on a bigger stage.
Stephen continued: “My main focus is to make sure the charity is running and I’m helping people.
“I do fancy a crack at the World Transplant Games, though.
“It takes place in Newcastle in two years and I’ll be in training to cycle there.
“I want to lead by example and show that anything is possible after a transplant – it can be a fresh start.” ● To help Return to Life or find out more about services, email returntolife@btconnect.com.