London transplant recipient "Transplant games are a celebration of life"

Dave Webb, who received a heart transplant at Harefield Hospital has been telling us about the significance of the Transplant games that have been taking place this weekend

Author: Will HarrisPublished 9th Aug 2026

A man who received a heart transplant in London is telling us about his experience at the transplant games

The transplant games have been on since Thursday in Sheffield where participants represent the hospitals they had their transplants

Dave Webb received a heart transplant at Harefield Hospital in 2016, so is representing Harefield

He told us what the atmosphere at the games is like

"First and foremost, a celebration of transplant and a celebration of the gift of life.

I believe I'm correct in saying these are the highest attended games this year with the number of competitors taking part and they've all been affected by transplant in one way or another, either as recipients or as living donors.

It's acknowledging the fact that we are there. We are able to do what we do, we are fitter, we are healthier, we are alive, thanks to our donors and the families who consented to those decisions."

Dave is competing in Badminton at this year's event

"The competition is high. Please don't think it's not. It really is like the Transplant Olympics and people are there to win medals.

But moreover on that is the sense of community, the sense of understanding and the coming together."

Dave adds what for him is the hardest hitting part of the weekend

"For me personally, it's always when the kids come into the opening ceremony and that's when you really, it really gets you in the gut when you think you know what they've been through and what they've survived and the opportunities that they've been granted through transplant.

It is just an amazing celebration of this incredible community."

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