Tiny transplant survivors compete in annual games

BRAVE fighters Farah Bycroft and Ellie Greenwood have both overcome life-threatening liver conditions to compete in this year’s British Transplant Games.

The youngsters who are three and five-years-old were among 800 children and adults who took part in the competition in Bath which is now in its 33rd year and raises awareness about the need for donors.

Farah took part in the event for the second year running after a miracle operation in 2008 which saw her grandmother donate part of her liver.

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For Ellie, it was her fourth competition since having a liver transplant at seven months old after being diagnosed with liver cancer just eight weeks after she was born.

And this year was extra special for the youngster from Kimberworth who was presented with a special prize–the Pauline Andrews Memorial Trophy for the Best Child 5 and under.

Her mum, Tracy said: “Ellie has been in and out of hospital since the transplant but at the moment we are on a good patch.

“We can't believe how far we have come and we cannot thank the family of the donor enough.

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“We think that telling stories such as Ellie's can raise awareness of the gift of life that someone can bring by being on the donor register.

“If only we could get more people to join we would have more success stories like Ellie.”

For more information visit www.uktransplant.org.uk.

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