Transplant patients pull 20 tonne truck to raise awareness for organ donation
The team say they are the first transplant patients to do something like this in the UK
Last updated 6 hours ago
A team of transplant patients from across the West Midlands completed a mammoth challenge to raise awareness about organ donation.
The team pulled a 20 tonne truck at Keltruck Ltd in West Bromwich in a display that was about more than just strength.
"I want it to give out a message," said Martin Searle - one of the masterminds behind the truck pull who himself had a double kidney transplant.
"The transplant list is growing so we need more people to have that chat with their loved ones.
"One person's organs can save so many lives and at the end of the day, you'd be leaving a legacy."
"We're just so thankful and blessed that we've been given a second chance at life through organ donation," added Gemma Hackett - the Stewardship Manager at University Hospitals Birmingham Charity who herself received a kidney and liver transplant.
"I think it's quite a taboo subject - it's not a subject that families really want to think about until it's probably to late.
"It's just so important because it's life changing."
As well as raising awareness, the event held on June 28 was also raising funds for three charities - Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, BHBN Radio and Transplant Active UK.
The team said they believe they are the first group of transplant recipients to complete a challenge like this in the UK.
The face of the day who was delighted to see her picture on the side of the truck being pulled was five year old Beatrix Archbold.
Beatrix lived in hospital for nearly two years while being kept alive by a mechanical heart until a donor saved her life.
Her dad, Terry, said seeing the lorry is emotional, but he hopes it will spark change.
"I hope that when people see it, it inspires some life saving conversations.
"Would you accept a donated organ, and if the answer's yes, would you give that same gift of life?"