Clodagh hopes for gold medal in Transplant Games

Clodagh hopes for gold medal in Transplant Games

26 July 2023

A COURAGEOUS six year-old girl from Downpatrick, who received a kidney transplant, is going for gold once again at this year’s British Transplant Games. 

Four-time gold medallist Clodagh Annett, returns to the Games, which begin in Coventry tomorrow.

Running for over 40 years, the British Transplant Games see teams from hospitals across the UK come to different cities each summer.

Spread over 25 sports, the Games are organised to raise awareness of the need for organ donation and encourage transplant recipients to lead an active lifestyle.

Having won gold medals in cup-stacking, the obstacle course, the 25-metre run and ball-throw in Leeds last year, brave Clodagh is looking to emulate her success once more.

Clodagh was born with a chronic illness called Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome, a disorder for which there is no cure, and commonly results in infection, malnutrition and kidney failure.

Clodagh’s mum, Nicole, spoke candidly about the hardships Clodagh and her family have endured.

“When Clodagh was born, we had to spend extra time in the hospital to get medical training about her kidney condition,” she said.

“The condition meant she needed more protein in her system and had to be given a drug called albumin – she was on seven other medications as well.

“It was there we were told that she would need a kidney transplant and that she would have to be a certain weight in order to get the transplant.

“Growing up, she would get fatigued very easily and it was very difficult for her to learn how to walk due to her poor bone density.

“Because of the fatigue, she wouldn’t be able to walk far distances without feeling tired.”

However, even at an early age, Clodagh showed her fighting capabilities and on August 25, 2020, she received her kidney transplant. 

“The transplant completely changed her way of life and allowed her to be herself,” said Nicole.

“She was able to eat more, have a bit more energy and it led to a lot of firsts for her.

“After the transplant we were able to do normal family things like go to the park, take a trip down to Dublin Zoo – her first time on a plane was last year when she was going over to Leeds to compete, so it really did change her world.”

Despite receiving the transplant, Clodagh still suffers from fatigue and endures chronic bouts of tiredness. 

“It is still hard for her even after the transplant,” her mum continued. “Because it’s an illness that never goes away, it can feel like we take one step forward and ten steps backwards at times.”

While still struggling from severe tiredness, this determined young lady is practicing to compete in the same activities as she did last year.

She is one of eight children from Northern Ireland representing the Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital, Belfast.

The event is organised for the children through Kidney Care UK and the Children’s Kidney Fund NI.

They will be aided by Hazel Gibson, the manager of the team and a renal nurse who has treated many of the young athletes who have attended the games throughout the years.

Last year, Nicole attended the Transplant Games with her sister, Lynsey, whose daughter, Faith, was also competing.

Tilley also suffers from congenital nephrotic syndrome, and received her kidney transplant on October 11, 2016.

Nicole described the occasion as “amazing”.

She said: “Clodagh absolutely loved it, and is excited to do it again this year.

“She was able to mix with other children who had gone through similar things as her and she really felt part of a team.

“To see her go through all that she has and what we as a family have had to endure – to then see her compete in an obstacle course which she won, it was quite overwhelming and emotional, but I was so, so proud of her.

“The opening ceremony was incredible – I was surprised by how much of a spectacle the organiser had put on for the kids,” said Nicole.

“There was marching and music before the games got underway and it was so lovely to see everyone come together for the kids.

“It was also really nice chatting with other parents who had experienced the same type of hardships as us and it reminded me that our situation could always be worse.”

This year, Clodagh will be championed by her family while she competes in Coventry.

While she is competing amongst older young athletes, she has the pedigree of being a four-time gold medallist to give her the impetus to achieve greatness once again.