Fundraising page set up in memory of Transplant Games founder Maurice Slapak CBE

A fundraising page has been set up in memory of inspirational Transplant Games founder Maurice ‘Taffy’ Slapak CBE, who recently passed away.

An influential Transplant Surgeon, Maurice was the driving force behind the very first Transplant Games in Portsmouth in 1978 which paved the way for the creation of both the British Transplant Games and the World Transplant Games.

To celebrate his enduring legacy in Transplant sport, a webpage has been set up where people can leave their tributes to Maurice, while also making a donation to Transplant Sport and the World Transplant Games Federation.

Born in Poland in 1930, Maurice and his family emigrated to Kenya, where he grew up before moving to the UK to qualify as a surgeon. An extremely skilled tennis player, he qualified for the Wimbledon tennis championships and held memberships to many clubs. He continued to play tennis until 2024.

Maurice became a pioneering surgeon specialising in kidney transplantation and founded the World Transplant Games in 1978. After his retirement, Maurice travelled to Mongolia to set up transplantation training programs and facilities.

As a passionate ambassador of Transplant Sport, he helped to kickstart the development of Transplant Games in many countries across the world to demonstrate the importance of activity to build self-esteem and foster peer support amongst organ transplant recipients, live donors and donor families. His humour, passion, camaraderie and vision touched the lives of many transplant recipients around the world.

Maurice was the inaugural Chairman of Transplant Sport UK and held the first post of President of the World Transplant Games Federation from 1987-2004. In recognition of his leadership and many achievements, he was subsequently made a Patron of Transplant Sport UK.

In a joint statement, released after his passing on Sunday, August 9, Dr Paul Harden, Chairman of Transplant Sport UK, and Lynne Holt, Patron of Transplant Sport UK, said: “Maurice will remain deep in the hearts of so many and his legacy will continue to go from strength to strength.”

In his final years Maurice spent as much time as he could with friends and family. Maurice is survived by his daughters Gabi and Alex and granddaughter Lolly, “all of whom will miss him dearly”.

In accordance with Maurice's wish, his funeral service will be held in private. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

To make a donation to the new fundraising page, or to leave a tribute, please visit www.mauriceslapak.muchloved.com