Mark beats best in Europe again
AWIDNES table tennis ace who received a double lung transplant and who only has 23% lung capacity has beaten the odds to become double European champion in table tennis – again.
Mark Allen’s victory brings his European Transplant Games gold tally to six, in addition to adding silver and bronze medals to his British titles.
The 44-year-old, originally from Lichfield, who lives in Widnes, took gold in both the singles and doubles in this year’s Vantaa 2016 European Heart And Lung Transplant Championships in Vantaa in Finland.
His doubles partner Maggie Gambrill also won gold in her singles, with Jill Edwards winning gold in the 70 years plus contest.
Joan Whitney won silver in the 70-plus and two golds in singles and doubles, making it a great day for Team GB with several other medals.
Mark received a £100 sports development grant towards the event, which cost more than £800 in hotels, fees, registration and travel, from Halton Borough Council.
The Halton Council communications officer, who trains at Halton Table Tennis Club, travelled to Finland last week to defend his previous title and is now gearing up to compete again in next week’s British Transplant Games taking place in Liverpool from Thursday to Sunday, July 28-31.
Mark said: “The medals were a bonus, but it was great seeing people from different countries all with something in common, some of whom I have known for years, and raise awareness Europe-wide about the benefits of transplantation.”
Mark was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was nine months old, causing mucus to develop in the lungs.
Already challenged with limited lung capacity, Mark fell ill with pneumonia while working as an English teacher in Korea in 2005.
Hospitalised and in a serious condition, doctors caused damage to his trachea by leaving him ventilated too long, he said.
This also had serious consequences for Mark’s lungs, which deteriorated rapidly leaving him in a life or death situation needing a double lung transplant.
That same year Mark received his double lung transplant at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle but suffered rejection in 2006 leaving him with just between 20 and 25% overall lung capacity. He said: “I don’t let this hold me back. “Sport has always been an important part of my lifestyle and I keep as active as my lungs will allow. Winning medals at the European Games just goes to show people that you don’t have to let your health problems get in the way of living life to the full.
“I’m a walking demonstration of just how important and amazing organ donation is.”
Mark will be promoting that message at the upcoming Westfield Health British Transplant Games when they arrive in Liverpool for the first time next Thursday, July 28.
He will join more than 900 participants who have each received life saving and life changing organ and tissue transplants.
The upbeat celebration of life will see transplant recipients, live donors including altruistic donors and their supporters take part in more than 30 sports together.
Donor families who made the agonising decision to allow their loved ones organs to be donated upon their passing will also be on hand as guests of honour to present medals to the winners.
Mark said: “I love the transplant competitions as it brings people together.
“The main aim of the British Games is to raise awareness of how being on the donor register can make the world of difference.”
Mark is looking for sponsorship as it cost more than £800 to compete in the games in Finland as well as using valuable annual leave. He travels to tournaments several times a year so spends well over £1,500 a year in entrance fees and travel.
Former journalist Mark plays at Halton Table Tennis Club, a Table Tennis Ability Club for players with disabilities. He is coached there by club chairman Karen Tonge MBE.
He proudly carried the Paralympic Torch through London on the opening day of London 2012.
The Freeman Heart And Lung Transplant Association helped the GB team with travel costs but competitors met the rest of their costs themselves.
Residents can do their bit for those who need transplants by signing up for organ donation in the event of their death at https:// www.organdonation.nhs.uk/