Trevor Lynch, originally from Limerick but living in the UK, will represent Ireland at the European Transplant Sports Championships to be held in Lisbon Portugal from Sunday 21st July - 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. Trevor says: I live abroad, but the reach of Transplant Sport Ireland is strong and I feel as welcome and as involved as if I still lived in Limerick.
Trevor was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2011 and had years of chemo which were useful in getting the disease into remission, but it kept coming back and the quality of his life was getting worse each time, leaving him with no energy, very poor sleep, daily migraines,. His only option was to find a donor with a good stem cell match. Trevor was lucky because out of 25 million people worldwide signed up to the donor register, they found 2 matches. He says: The transplant transformed my life - the lymphoma never came back and I have lived a full and active life since 2016. I am so grateful to my donor for saving my life and giving me a second chance at a healthy life.
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. Trevor will compete in the 800m, 1500m and the Relay event and says of the Games: Being able to participate at all is huge for me, given the journey I've been through. Then, to add on top of that the chance to represent my country at the European level is a massive honour.
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!
Speaking on people he admires, Trevor says: there are plenty of people in my life who lead balanced and active lives and use their spare time to give back to society through volunteering and helping others. To me, this is what life is all about and this encourages me to try to do the same.
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. Trevor advises those waiting on a transplant: There is always hope that you will find a match and get the transplant you need. Stay positive and get through your treatment as best you can. Once you have the transplant, life will be so much better and the wait and treatment will be worth it. 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