Bridie Nicholson, Library Assistant, has won a bronze medal at the 3rd European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Slovenia. Bridie, the recipient of a double-transplant (kidney/pancreas), competed in both bowling and track and field, winning the bronze in the latter.
The victorious Irish team of 29 athletes who participated at the games returned to Ireland on Sunday, September 5th, bringing with them an impressive haul of medals. Ireland was placed third overall in the medals table. With twenty countries participating in what was the largest European sports event for dialysis and transplanted people, the Irish team scooped an impressive seventy-two medals.
The games, which were held in Slovenia, took place from 29th August - 4th September. This unique event is a celebration of ‘life after transplant’ and gives hope to those who are suffering from organ failure. It also encourages a healthy lifestyle amongst those who have already received the ‘Gift of Life’ through organ transplantation. It is a true expression of gratitude by organ recipients to donors and their families.
This a remarkable achievement for Bridie, having overcome serious illness, representing both Sligo and Ireland at the games. She is all too aware that the medal would not be hers had it not been for the unselfish act of the donor family who gave her a second chance of life.
The Irish Kidney Association is responsible for the organisation of the games at national level.