Richie Sheerin is one of 17 athletes competing in the games. Pic from Richie Sheerin
The games see about 1,000 transplant recipients from across the UK compete over four days in nearly 25 sports.
It is the first time the sporting event has happened since 2019 due to Covid-19.
The North of Ireland team includes athletes who have been the recipients of kidney, liver and bone marrow donations.
Richie Sheerin has multiple myeloma which is an incurable bone marrow cancer.
He has had two stem cell transplants, most recently donated from his brother in 2020.
“I had signed up to be a bone marrow donor,” the 39-year-old said.
“But you never think it’s going to come to your door and you’ll be looking for stem cells yourself.”
Now in remission, Richie started cycling to aid his recovery following his cancer treatment and will compete in the 5km time trial and 10km road race events.
“Having the chance to compete and do a sport that you love, this gives you the platform to do that,” he said.
“It’s an unknown to me because it is my first time, but ideally I’d love to get on that podium and potentially get a spot over in the World Transplant Games in Perth next year.”
The British Transplant Games finish this Sunday, July 31.
Tags: