News from our partners: Simon and son on target for the Transplant Games
News from our partners Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd
Local dad, Simon Maceachen, who donated his liver to his eldest child Harry (11) back in 2016, is looking forward to father and son competing together at the upcoming UK Transplant Games, which take place in Leeds between Wednesday 27 July and Sunday 31 July 2022.
Harry Maceachen had his first liver transplant when he was a one-year-old, but unfortunately over time the donor organ began to fail. Step forward dad Simon, who became a live donor in 2016, when Harry was almost four. Since that successful transplant operation, both Simon and Harry haven’t looked back, and are now readying themselves for another joint appearance at the UK Transplant Games, having competed together every year since 2016.
Simon Maceachen and son Harry Maceachen
Simon said:-
“So far, I’ve competed in five UK Transplant Games and one world event, while Harry has now been to 6 UK Games. However, this is the first year where Harry is old enough to compete in one of my main disciplines, the swimming, which makes these games even more special than usual.
“In Leeds, I’ll be taking part in the 25m freestyle swim, long jump and obstacle race, while Harry will be competing in the swimming and table tennis. I’m training hard for all my events, and I’d like to thank the team at the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury for allowing me free use of their facilities while I prepare for the games.
“I’ve won a few medals at the UK games over the years and even won a bronze at the World Transplant Games, which took place in Gateshead in 2019. I’m pretty sure without access to the excellent facilities at The Quarry, which helped me ready myself for the strong competition at that level, I’d never have been prepared enough to compete and win a medal at a world-class event.
Chris Stanbrook, Contract Manager for Shropshire Community Leisure Ltd, which runs The Quarry and three other facilities in the region, said:-
“We’re delighted to once again be supporting Simon, and wish him and Harry all the best for the UK Transplant Games. The Quarry’s blend of pool and gym facilities means it has everything Simon needs to prepare himself for the challenges ahead. We look forward to hearing about more medal success for the Maceachens at the championships.”
The Transplant Games have been running for over 40 years. Each competing team represents a different hospital in the UK, and the 4-day event attracts around 1,000 transplant athletes each year. The Games aim to demonstrate the benefits of transplantation, encouraging transplant patients to regain fitness, whilst increasing public awareness of the need for more people to join the NHS Organ Donation Register.
In partnership with Serco Leisure, Shropshire Community Leisure Limited manages Market Drayton Swimming Pool, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Sports Village and The Quarry on behalf of Shropshire Council.
Further information
Shropshire Community Leisure Limited
Shropshire Community Leisure Limited manages Market Drayton Swimming Pool, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Sports Village and The Quarry swimming pools.
Our vision is the creation and maintenance of a first-class range of healthy leisure and recreational activities and facilities to serve all parts of the communities in the areas we serve.
We work in partnership with the community and all relevant bodies including but not restricted to existing providers of relevant leisure and recreational activities, the local and parish councils, unitary council and town councils, and potential funding partners. For more information, visit our website: Shropshire Community Leisure Trust
Serco Leisure
Serco Leisure is a provider of leisure industry solutions, working with clients to bring high quality services to sites throughout England, in Northern Ireland and on the island of Jersey.
Our ethos is affordable leisure time entertainment for all. We manage gyms, swimming pools, cycle hire schemes, event venues and National Sports Centres, including Bisham Abbey, Lillieshall, and the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont Country Park.
