Transplant boy an inspiration to all

29 July 2010

Ellis Broome is set for Games

AN INSPIRATIONAL youngster whose life was saved by a kidney transplant is gearing up to take part in the British Tranplant Games to raise awareness of the condition.

Ellis Broome, from Kings Garden, Upminster, is set to take part in this year's British Transplant Games in Bath from Thursday August 19 to Sunday August 22.

Ellis' Mum, Sara, said: "Ellis is a prime example about the success of being on the donor register.

"Before Ellis, a lot of my friends didn't take any notice of the donor register but when it happened to Ellis they changed their minds.

"Most people just plod along with their lives and never think they are going to die, but if more people did think about it then more kids like Ellis would be saved."

The eight-year-old will be joining other youngsters who have had transplants, and their families, in taking part in the games - which encourages people to sign the NHS Donor register.

This is Ellis' second time taking part in the games, but it will be his first time competing without help from a nurse. He will be taking part in ball throwing and long jump events, as well as an obstacle course and 50m run.

Sara said: "It feels like we are celebrating another year because the transplants do not last their whole lives so we will be celebrating the fact that the transplant is another year old.

"It's amazing what Ellis and all of the children have been through. It is just overwhelming to see them all taking part in these games."

Ellis, who was born with renal vein thrombosis, underwent a successful kidney transplant just after his second birthday after having to go through dialysis since birth.

After the kidney transplant, Ellis had to have a colostomy bag and be fed through a tube, but still had a better quality of life.

Sara said: "The transplant made a huge difference to Ellis' life and he had a far better quality of life than he had ever had in the first three years.

"Seeing him taking part in this year's race on his own will be truly amazing, just to see how he has progressed.