Robert is a triple medal winner!

Thu 6th July 2017

Between 25^th June-2^nd July 2017 Robert Collins (14) achieved his dream of competing for team GB in the World Transplant Games in Malaga and brought home an impressive three medals – one gold and two bronze! It was an incredible experience for Robert who received a kidney transplant in 2009. He represented team GB in badminton singles(gold), badminton doubles (bronze) and table tennis(bronze).

Robert and his family had 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.

Athletes from 60 countries came together at the World Transplant Games in Malage 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.

Robert’s mum Liz explained: “A total of 166 players took part in the badminton singles competition. Robert won gold in the u14 singles with Argentina winning silver and a fellow GB competitor the bronze. Rob then competed the following day with his team mate in the male doubles winning a Bronze medal in u18 category. In table tennis Robert won another bronze securing three medals from three events.

“The most amazing experience was watching Robert carrying his flag with such pride, walking with his fellow team mates in the opening ceremony. But for the gift of donation the stadium would have been half empty.”

Robert with his triple medal haul from the World Transplant Games

Realising Dreams Chairman Ron Burges added his congratulations to Robert. Ron said: “Robert is an inspiration to all of us. Bringing home three medals from the World Transplant Games is incredible and sends a message about how important organ donation is. Robert is living a full and active life, successfully competing for his country and being an ambassador for organ donation. We are delighted to have played a very small part in helping Robert achieve his dreams.”

Great Britain and Northern Ireland topped the medal table with an astonishing record 331 medals of which 150 were gold. The next closest country was the USA with 111 of which 31 were gold. The host country Spain, finished third.

Robert plans to take a couple of days off to recover and settle back into the school routine but returns to training on Thursday with immediate priority of defending his UK title at the British Transplant Games in South Lanarkshire later this month.

In the longer-term Robert is already targeting the next World Games which being hosted in Newcastle Great Britain in August of 2019. Rob concluded: “If I can remain fit and healthy I would love to represent GB here at home. I watched a Spanish senior win his title in front of a home crowd and it was electric, I would love to do the same.”

There are currently over 6500 people waiting for organs on the transplant register, to register on the NHS Organ Donor Register, call 0300 123 23 23, or go to organdonation.nhs.uk