Royal Papworth at the 2026 British Transplant Games

The British Transplant Games is heading to Sheffield on 5th - 9th August, and Royal Papworth will once again field a strong and determined team of 43 athletes who not long ago were fighting simply to engage in everyday activities, and who now stand ready to compete on a national stage.

The Games offer a powerful opportunity for new and long-term transplant recipients to demonstrate what is possible after lifesaving surgery.

They bring together 2,000 participants of all ages, from children as young as two to adults in their 70s and beyond. Events are designed to be inclusive, supportive and celebratory, with competitors taking part in a wide range of sports including, athletics (track and field), swimming, pétanque and golf, racquet sports, archery, cycling and ten-pin bowling.

“I see the Games as a way to prove to myself that I could still do anything I set my mind to and I dedicate my winning medals to my donor. The Games are a truly humbling experience which gave me the opportunity to meet others who share similar stories and will become a critical support network for years to come.”

Dan, double lung transplant recipient.

““I was born with cystic fibrosis and by the age of 22, I was on the Royal Papworth waiting list to receive double lung transplant. Before my transplant at the age of 23, even the simplest tasks were a struggle. I couldn’t walk my dog more than 200 metres without needing to stop and rest. Now, I have the privilege of taking part in this year’s transplant games.”

Christos, double lung transplant recipient.

"My first Transplant Games was 2024 (Nottingham) when I was just under 8 months post heart transplant. I found that being around so many inspirational people a huge, and powerful, experience. Seeing other participants competing (whether against other competitors, or doing for themselves) showed so visibly that transplantation can completely change lives - and open up opportunities that either seemed long gone, or never existed. I came away from my first games a completely different person mentally; really uplifted, full of hope and aspiration."

Darren, heart transplant recipient.

Royal Papworth at the 2025 British Transplant Games

The 2025 British Transplant Games in Oxford were a landmark year for Royal Papworth Hospital. The Royal Papworth team - one of the largest adult heart and lung transplant groups in the UK - delivered an impressive performance that reflected not only athletic excellence but the power of transplantation itself.

A team built on determination

Many of the 2025 competitors were less than two years post transplant. Others were celebrating 10, 20 or even 30 years of renewed life. Together, they demonstrated what is possible when worldleading clinical care meets courage, gratitude and community.

“Recipients took part to demonstrate what can be achieved after transplant, exceed their own personal goals and remember and celebrate organ donation, their donors and the donor families.”

Ann Thompson, Team Manager

2025 medal success

Royal Papworth athletes achieved:

51 medals in total
16 gold, 16 silver, 19 bronze
43 competitors, including several first-time participants
Winners once again of the Best Heart & Lungs Hospital Trophy

This victory marked the 18th time since 1987 that Royal Papworth has brought home the top award for heart and lung transplant performance.

Your support helps Royal Papworth Charity continue its work funding cutting edge equipment, pioneering research and enhanced patient care - the very things that make lifesaving transplants, and the stories celebrated at the Games, possible.