Heart Transplant Recipient and Driver Trainer at Alliance Healthcare Competes in 2023 World Transplant Games to raise awareness of Organ Donation

Alliance Healthcare UK has shown its support for team member Fran Middleton with his ambition to raise funds to enable him to compete in the 2023 World Transplant Games, organised by organ donation charity Transplant Sport.

Fran, a driver trainer at Alliance Healthcare UK, took part in the volleyball, pétanque and swimming events at the 2023 British Transplant Games. Fran Middleton, who had a heart transplant in 2018, was joined by six other transplant patients from Royal Papworth Hospital who travelled to Perth in Australia as part of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland squad at the World Transplant Games.

The Games began on 15 April and concluded on 21 April and represent the largest organ donor awareness event in the world. The event brings together teams from 45 countries in 17 different sporting events.

Fran attended the games, arranged by Transplant Sport, a charity that aims to encourage organ donation, recognise the donors and donor family, support transplant recipients and their families, encourage everyone to participate in sport and help them lead a healthy life.

Transplant Sport host the annual British Transplant Games and organises numerous fundraising events throughout the year.

On his involvement in the Transplant Games, Fran said: “Wow, what an incredible experience. I’m so thankful just for the chance to be able to do sport again, but to be selected for the team and to represent GB and NI is mind-blowing.

I’m incredibly proud of my two silver medals in volleyball and pétanque and I’m very happy that my involvement helps spread the positives of organ donation and encourages as many people as possible to share their wishes about donation after death with their families. It really does save lives!”

Alliance Healthcare UK encouraged team members to support by holding a prize draw to help Fran’s fundraising activities to sponsor his trip to the games and support this worthy cause that helps raise awareness for organ donation and the British Transplant Games.

Matt Addison, UK Operations Director at Alliance Healthcare UK said: “We are delighted to have supported Fran to get to the World Transplant Games and very proud that he bought home two silver medals! Fran is a great ambassador for this worthy cause that helps raise awareness for organ donation. We are always eager to support causes that help create healthier and happier futures and congratulate Fran on his incredible achievement.”