Robbie England lives in Naas, Co. Kildare with wife Gillian, baby Conor and Golden retriever Barkley! Robbie will represent Ireland cheered on by his parents Patricia and David, at the European Transplant Sports Championships in Lisbon Portugal from Sunday 21st July 2024 to Sunday 28th July 2024. This sporting event will be an invaluable opportunity to showcase the benefits of Organ Donation and it is a true celebration of the Gift of Life.
Robbie was diagnosed with kidney disease at just 20 years old. His kidney function gradually decreased over the years and eventually needed dialysis aged 33. He went on haemodialysis for a month and then moved on to peritoneal dialysis which he was able to do at home. This was great as it meant he did dialysis at night so could still work full time. After being on dialysis for 3 years, on 23 May 2022, Robbie received a kidney transplant fromhis brother Mark. Robbie says: I will be forever grateful for Mark’s kindness and generosity. His donation meant I have been able to live a fairly normal life and I was able to start a family of my own. We are both keen Arsenal fans and were able to enjoy a trip to a match together this year. Post transplant I felt I had much more energy and was able to live a much more normal life. One year post transplant my wife Gillian and I welcomed our beautiful son Conor into the world. I don’t think this would have happened had it not been for the incredible gift my brother Mark gave me. I feel very thankful every day.
There are 28 athletes traveling to Lisbon, led by Team Manager Harry Ward from Baldoyle, along with a number of supporters. Athletes will take part in a variety of Sports including Athletics, Badminton, 10 Pin Bowling, Cycling, Darts, Golf, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Petanque. The Irish Transplant Team holds an excellent record in sporting success, competing at the World, European and British Sports Championships and some Irish athletes hold the World and European records in their sporting disciplines. This helps to inspire others who are perhaps newly diagnosed with organ failure and are unsure of what their future holds. Robbie says: The games in Lisbon will be my first. I am very excited to be part of the Transplant Sport Ireland team and to celebrate the life changing gifts we have been given. I am looking forward to meeting other participants and to hear their stories of the life challenges they have had to overcome.
This year, the Launch Day for the European Sports Championships takes place in Kilcullen Community Centre, Co. Kildare on Sunday July 7th at 10am. There will be a motivational speaker and the Team Kit will be officially launched. TSI extend their gratitude to the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF) for their generous sponsorship of the Team Kit 2024. If you would like to attend this event, email transplantsportireland@gmail.com for your invitation!
Robbie says to those waiting on a transplant: Waiting for a transplant or being on dialysis can be a difficult and stressful time, there is a lot of uncertainty which can be challenging but there are great supports available. I joined the Transplant Sport Ireland team while I was on dialysis and awaiting transplant. It was great to talk to others who gave great advice and it was great to see how well others were doing post transplant too. Now that I am post transplant I hope to support others who are awaiting transplant or on dialysis in any way that I can
Organ donors save lives. At any one time in Ireland there are between 550 and 600 people active on waiting lists for organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, bone marrow, kidney, and pancreas. Making friends and family aware of your wishes on organ donation are the key steps towards saving lives - TSI encourages everyone to Have the Conversation, Say ‘Yes’ to Organ Donation!
If you would like more information, check out the TSI website transplantsportireland.ie and our social media platforms. If you would like to get involved with the Team or can help with sponsorship, email transplantsportireland@gmail.com