Ready, Freddy, go!

[okarol]

Ready, Freddy, go!

Jul 20 2007

By Bob Hanlon

A GRANDFATHER from Dumfries is taking on the nation.

Freddie Parker a 76-year-old bowler, is travelling to Edinburgh to take part in the annual British Transplant Games.

Around 600 athletes of all ages will take part in the three day competition which includes track and field, bowling and swimming events.

The athletes will be competing in a variety of sports but they each have one thing in common: they are all transplant patients.

Freddie was diagnosed with kidney failure nine years ago and spent two years on dialysis while he waited for a donor. He said: “I was delighted when I got the transplant, it basically gave me my life back.”

This year is the 30th anniversary of the games but it is Freddie’s debut. He added: “I heard about the games when I got a letter from the Western Hospital in Glasgow, where I had my transplant, asking if I’d take part.

“I thought I can hardly do a marathon but I’ve played bowls for 12 years.”

Freddie will be competing in the long bowls and ten-pin bowling events.

“I’m taking part to show that once you have a transplant you’re not disabled”, he said.

“I think everyone should carry a donor card and, even more importantly, tell their next of kin of their intentions.

“I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for my transplant.”

The 2007 British Transplant Games begin on July 26 with the top competitors having a chance to represent Britain at the World Transplant Games, but the competition has a far more serious purpose.

A spokesperson for the Transplant Games said: “The games are to raise awareness and get people to sign up to the donor list.

“A lot of people are grateful to be healthy again and want to show that there is life after a transplant.”

Freddie is playing down his chances of bringing a medal home. He added: “I’m just going to enjoy myself, I don’t think I’ll get a gold medal and I don’t think I’ll set the place on fire but you never know.”

As part of the pre-games preparations a donor bus with information about organ donation will be visiting Dumfries on July 19.

The visit to the town is part of an eight stop Transplant Torch Relay tour.

http://icdumfries.icnetwork.co.uk/dumfriesgalloway/news/tm_headline=ready-freddy-go&method=full&objectid=19486027&siteid=77296-name_page.html