Mark wins bronze at transplant games
AHALTON transplant table tennis champion has netted another medal after winning bronze at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Birmingham.
Mark Allen, who has a European Championship to his name from 2016, was born with cystic fibrosis, and underwent a lung transplant at the age of 33, leaving him with a lung capacity that is 20-25% of a ‘normal’ person.
He travelled to Birmingham hoping to serve up another performance that would see him return home to Widnes with gold.
Alas, Mark was beaten in the semifinal, but earned a bronze medal.
He took part in a record-breaking opening ceremony, which saw more ● transplant patients in one place at the same time than has ever been seen before.
Mark, a council media and communications officer, said: “It was a very busy four days, with events to compete in, social and sporting and raising awareness in the city of organ donation.
“The day of our athletics events at the Alexandra Stadium it was announced by the Government that presumed consent in England is going ahead.
“I also competed for The Freeman, Newcastle in javelin, ball throw – I got a PB in that this year – and 200m.
“The table tennis gets harder each year.
‘‘There were four leagues of people with the top two going to a knockout tournament, I lost in the semi-final to the eventual runnerup who topped the group in my group stage.
“I think the spirit of the games shone through.
“I did the slowest 200m ever and was really struggling, but having a big crowd cheering you on and shouting your name is an amazing feeling.
“As ever, I made new friends and rekindled old friendships.
“People are at different levels of health and fitness but the main thing is we are here to compete, thanks to someone, in many cases, we never met.”
Mark receives a grant from Halton Borough Council’s sports development fund every year, but has to fund most of his table tennis endeavours himself.
He said: “I usually get £100 a year from a Halton Borough Council sports development grant but have to fund all the flights, accommodation, spending money, for food etc, and entry fees myself as well as all training costs, and have to take the time off as part of my annual leave.
“I am looking for corporate sponsors to help with the expense of all the competing.”
Sponsors are urged to get in touch with him by emailing Mark.Allen@ halton.gov.uk