Oxford hosted the 2025 British Transplant Games from 31 July to 3 August, with events held across the historic city, including the track where Sir Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. The Opening Ceremony took place at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough. It commenced with a spectacular parade from the Triumphal Arch, with the competitors lined up, holding banners displaying their affiliations and proudly wearing their team t-shirts. The parade kicked off as the Wantage brass band started up, with teams from across the UK and Ireland, adults and children alike, marching proudly in time to the music past cheering supporters as they made their way to the palace.
As they entered the Grand Court, the teams were announced by Oxford’s Susie Dent, lexicographer and etymologist. A total of 1,045 athletes, including the youngest at just two years old, filled the courtyard. A huge cheer went up for the Donor Family Network, who were the final team to enter and very much at the heart of the Games. There was a sense of respectful recognition for lost loved ones and sincere gratitude for the generous gifts received by the participants. When all were amassed, true to form, Susie shared two words of the day: “confelicity”, to take joy in the happiness of others, and “respair”, to have fresh hope and recovery following a period of despair; her carefully selected words aptly captured the sentiment of the Games.
Dr Paul Harden, Chair of the British Transplant Games and Transplant Active and Consultant Nephrologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, officially opened the Games, welcoming everyone and thanking all involved. He highlighted the generous gift of life given by the donors and their families and the Games’ role in promoting and celebrating active lives post-transplantation. He proudly noted that this year’s event was the largest since 1978 when the games began, with the host city, Oxford, fielding its biggest team to date.
Musician Adam Issacs, a transplant recipient and former The Voice UK contestant, then took to the stage. He shared his story and performed some of his own songs, launching the evening’s music and dancing that closed the ceremony on a high note.
On Saturday 2 August, Blenheim hosted the annual Donor Run, raising awareness of the NHS Organ Donor Register, the benefits of organ transplantation, and the Anthony Nolan Register, while honouring donors and their families. More than 2,000 runners took part in a huge range of outfits, from tutus and wigs to t-shirts bearing heartfelt tributes to cherished loved ones. QUOD’s Jenny Collins and her nine-year-old son participated, both wearing QUOD t-shirts (pictured). They were cheered on by fellow runners during the race, especially her son, who got a lot of encouragement and high fives. The runners received medals at the finish line, which was awash with colour and joyful cheers of support. The 2025 Donor Run, with its huge turnout and magnificent venue, was a huge success and it was a privilege to be part of such an uplifting tribute to organ donors and their families.