Looking Back: Kendal Kids & Teens Weekend – April 2026

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Kendal Organ Donor Town was delighted to once again host the annual Transplant Active Kids & Teens Weekend in Kendal at the end of April.

A total of 22 youngsters, ranging in age from 3 to 17 attended the weekend to take part in 2 days of sporting activities. On the Saturday all took part in a day at the Kendal Ski Club, where staff volunteered their time and facilities to enable everyone to do ski training in the morning and tubing in the afternoon – even some of the parents got to take part! A great day was had by all in glorious sunshine which was a bonus given the reputation for unreliable weather in the Lake District! We were delighted to welcome Kendal’s Mayor, Richard Sutton and his wife Sarah who were inspired by the children and families that they met. We were also joined by Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Transplant Sport and Paul Jones, Chair of the Organ Donor Committee at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, both of whom provided their support to the event.

On Sunday, 18 of the group joined in with the Climbing session at Lakeland Climbing Centre’s Kendal Wall where they took part in bouldering, roped climbing and Crazy Climb. Some even made it to the top of the 18m wall which was a very impressive achievement. The staff at Kendal Climbing Wall subsidised the event in aid of TA and gave everyone a wonderful experience

The very exciting news from this year’s Kendal Weekend is that Kendal Organ Donor Town has commissioned film maker Sam Davis from Hollow Peak film productions to make a short film about the Kendal Kids Weekend to promote the organ donor message to audiences in the adventure world. All the participants were keen to talk to Sam about their experiences and highlight the importance of having the conversation about organ donation. It is hoped that the film will premiere at Kendal Mountain Festival in November this year to an audience who may not be aware of the issues, and showcase the success of organ donation allowing people to live full and active lives.

We are still fund raising to meet the costs of this film so if you wish to make a donation please follow the link:   Kendal Organ Donor Town Film Fund Raiser

Many of the families who attended this year’s weekend were new to the event and all reported having a fantastic time. We look forward to welcoming them back next year along with any other families who wish to attend. The next event will be scheduled in April 2027 (more info via office@transplantsport.org.uk)

Thanks go to all at Kendal Ski Club and Kendal Wall for their generosity and commitment, as well as to all the volunteers from Kendal Organ Donor Town who work so hard to make this event successful.

ALISON BLOXHAM

CHAIR, KENDAL ORGAN DONOR TOWN

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