Robert gives back at World Transplant Games

Fri 26th May 2017

Robert Collins is the latest young man to receive support from The Realising Dreams Foundation to compete at the World Transplant Games.

Robert (14) has been giving back his whole life following a kidney transplant aged 6. Since then he has been celebrating his second chance at life, his health and sporting talent by competing for the Great Ormond Street Renal Team and winning medals in Badminton at the British Transplant Games.

Now Robert has been invited to be part of the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team at the upcoming 21^st World Transplant Games being held in Malaga at the end of June.

Robert and his family have been fundraising for months to raise the costs needed but were struggling to reach their final target. The Realising Dreams Foundation was touched by Robert’s story and his desire to give back. He has received an award of £1,000 to help him realise his dream.

Over 2,000 people compete from 60 countries to celebrate life, health and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Every athlete looks ordinary, but behind each one is a story of how they received a second chance thanks to organ donation. These athletes have discovered the real value of life.

The World Transplant Games is a unique and inspiring way to give hope to others on transplant waiting lists that recovery, health and fitness is possible. It is also a way of saying ‘thank you’ to all the donors who made it possible. Without them, there would be nobody on the starting line.

Realising Dreams Chairman Ron Burges said: “Our foundation places a high value on giving back as well as celebrating talents that make a difference to the lives of others.

“Robert is an inspirational boy whose shown commitment to using his sporting talents to raise awareness of a cause very close to his heart. We are delighted to help him realise his dream and wish him the best of luck in Malaga.”

Watch this moving advert highlighting the importance of the World Transplant Games 2017.

Robert added: “When I was six I had my kidney transplant and it was life changing. I was very lucky and I was able to compete at the British Transplant Games. I have been to seven British Transplant Games and I train three times a week at badminton. I am delighted to be selected to represent my country at the World Transplant Games and to prove that fitness can be achieved after such significant ill health; this has fulfilled my dream- to represent my country. Another of my goals is to help raise awareness of organ donation and the positive impact it can have on someone’s life. Thank you very much for supporting me.”

Team Manager for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Renal Team, Suzanne explained: “Robert has showed sporting prowess for many sports at the British Transplant Games and has achieved the gold medal for badminton for the last 5 years. But it is his sportsmanship and his willingness to teach others that really shines through. We believe he will be an excellent ambassador for Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the World Transplant Games this summer.”