Halton Table Tennis Club is to host a major transplant sport event.

The club will stage an offshoot of the annual racquets event held at David Lloyd Leisure in Warrington, which attracts up to 60 of the country’s top transplant athletes.

Table tennis has now been added to badminton, squash and tennis on the schedule of the tournament, which is organised by Transplant Sport and takes place on Saturday May 30.

There will be a transplant-only competition in the morning, with singles, doubles and hard bat contests, with a more ‘sociable’ doubles for transplantees and the general public in the afternoon.

Halton Chair Karen Tonge said: “We’re really looking forward to hosting it. We’ve got members at our club who have had transplants, so the membership are well aware of the need for transplants.”

The event is also intended to raise awareness of the Organ Donor Register and Transplant Sport Trustee Lynne Holt said: “Many of the transplant athletes have experienced near death situations and long illness, and it’s gratifying to see them able to enjoy a full life, thanks to organ donation.

“Hopefully, this event will encourage others to sign on the Organ Donor Register and most importantly, discuss their wishes with their loved ones.”

For further information on transplant sport, please visit http://www.transplantsport.org.uk

To register for the Organ Donor Register, and for more information, please go to http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/ text SAVE to 84118 or contact the Organ Donor Line on 0300 1232323.

Paul Stimpson
February 18, 2015