British Liver Trust and the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation

The Westfield Health British Transplant Games has received the backing of the British Liver Trust and the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation ahead of this year’s event in Sheffield.

The announcement comes just days before World Liver Day on April 19, which raises global awareness about liver health, the vital functions of the liver, and the prevention of liver diseases.

Organised by Transplant Active, the British Transplant Games is the UK’s largest multi-sport event for transplant recipients, living donors and donor families. The Games, now in its 48th year, bring together hundreds of participants from across the country to compete, connect and celebrate life after transplantation.

The support of the British Liver Trust and the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation will ensure the Games continues to benefit from the backing of most organ charities. It will help to enhance this year’s event and amplify its core messages that transplantation is not just about survival, but about living well and how physical activity plays a vital role in improving the long-term health and wellbeing of transplant recipients.

The Games also underline how important it is for people to have a conversation with loved ones about consenting to organ donation and how this decision can save up to nine lives and change 50 more.

The British Liver Trust and the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have now merged in order to better support patients and families of all ages affected by all kinds of liver disease.

“The Westfield Health British Transplant Games are a wonderful example of what organ donation really means, and we’re delighted to be a part of it” said Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families Services at the British Liver Trust.

“To cheer on so many competitors whose lives have been saved by the gift of a new liver is truly inspiring. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with families we have supported over many years and see the fantastic progress their children have made.”

Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Transplant Active, said: “The British Transplant Games are a powerful celebration of just how well people can live after a transplant. Every competitor taking part is a testament to the life-changing impact of organ donation and the role that physical activity plays in recovery, resilience and long-term health.

“But the Games are also a moment to recognise the extraordinary generosity of living donors and donor families. They are the true heroes of the transplant community, whose selfless decisions have given others the chance to live full and active lives.

“We are delighted to welcome the British Liver Trust and the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation as sponsors this year, as we come together in Sheffield to celebrate life, hope and the gift of organ donation.”

The 2026 Games will take place from August 6 to 9. Around 2,500 people - including living donors and their families and more than 1,000 transplant recipients - will participate in a multitude of different sports at venues across Sheffield, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for sport and community events.

The Games’ arrival in Sheffield comes at a time when the organ transplant waiting list in the UK is at a record high of more than 8,000 people, according to NHS Blood and Transplant. Around 150 of those awaiting lifesaving treatment are from South Yorkshire.

The British Liver Trust works to improve liver health for all and supports those affected by liver disease or cancer. For more information, visit https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/

The Children’s Liver Disease Foundation helps young people and their families by providing information, emotional support, research funds and a voice for all affected. For more information, visit https://childliverdisease.org/