Sheffield prepares to host the Westfield Health British Transplant Games as national organ transplant waiting list hits record high

Games launch event sees Sheffield residents urged to support organ donation as UK waiting list tops 8,000; with around 150 of those awaiting lifesaving treatment from South Yorkshire.

Sheffield residents are being urged to save lives by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register, as the city gears up to host a major multi-sport event next summer that will celebrate transplant recipients and donors.

The Westfield Health British Transplant Games, which is Transplant Active’s annual flagship event, is returning to Sheffield between 6 and 9 August 2026 for the first time since 2013.

Over 2,500 participants, including more than 1,000 transplant recipients, are expected to take part across 26 sports.

The Games’ arrival in Sheffield comes as the organ transplant waiting list in the UK is at record levels, topping more than 8,000 according to NHS Blood and Transplant, with 146 of those from South Yorkshire*.

The Games will demonstrate the healthy, fulfilling lives that transplant patients can lead and provide an opportunity to thank live donors and donor families for their life-changing generosity.

Organisers also hope the Games will encourage more people to commit to donating organs themselves by confirming their consent via the NHS Organ Donation register, and address an organ donation rate of just 7 per cent among Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Transplant recipients and donors recently came together at the Games’ official launch event at the Canon Medical Arena to share their own life-changing experiences of giving and receiving a transplant.

This included Sheffield artist Pete McKee meeting the widow of his liver donor, Karen Piotr; while 20-year-old swimmer Ellie Greenwood, who had a liver transplant at seven months old and won a gold medal for Team GB at last year’s World Transplant Games, also attended alongside youngster Freddie Fox – who received a bone marrow transplant at Sheffield Children’s Hospital – and is set to compete at the Games.

The Games, which is now in its 48^th year, is the flagship event of Transplant Active, a charity that promotes active recovery for transplant recipients and increases awareness of the benefits of organ donation.

Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Transplant Active, said: “The Westfield Health British Transplant Games is a vehicle that allows us to shine a light on the crucial role of organ donation, where one person can save up to nine lives.

“This comes to the fore none-more-so when you hear of first-hand stories from recipients about how a transplant has helped them to lead healthy lives; while also being able to celebrate and thank donors and their families.

“As we head into these Games we face the heartbreaking reality that approximately 1,000 lives are lost unnecessarily every year whilst waiting for a transplant, which underlines the importance of as many people as possible supporting organ donation.

“This means signing the NHS Organ Donor Register now to state your preference, but also following this up with a conversation with your loved ones to make your preference clear.

“We are looking forward to hosting the Games in Sheffield, which is also home to the Games’ long-term sponsor Westfield Health, and along with our other partners we can leave a legacy of greater awareness for the ongoing need for more donors.”

Many of the Games’ events will take place in and around Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park, with further details to be confirmed in due course.

Steve Purdham, Chairman at Westfield Health, added: “Next August in Sheffield, we’re hosting more than a sporting event, we’re igniting a movement. The Westfield Health British Transplant Games shine a light on the gift of organ donation, where one person can save nine lives and transform the futures of fifty more. But that impact only begins with a conversation.

“Telling your loved ones you want to be a donor is what turns intention into action. This ‘gift of life’ means these Games are a celebration of life, movement, and second chances and a powerful reminder that the simplest conversations can save the most lives.”

Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council said: “The Games are a celebration of life, resilience and community. They were last held in Sheffield in 2013, and we are honoured to be hosting them once again!

“We are looking forward to welcoming the thousands of athletes and supporters who will be attending, from all over the UK.

“Preparations are well underway to ensure Sheffield delivers a memorable and inspiring Games, next summer.”

Mahmud Nawaz, Chair of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and an organ donation ambassador following the death of his wife who went on to be an organ donor and save four lives, said: “The Westfield Health British Transplant Games are a fantastic celebration of transplantation and the incredible gift of organ donation, and we are delighted to be supporting the games in Sheffield. 

“We are looking forward to the biggest and most inclusive games ever, and can't wait to see the Sheffield team, including many participants who have been treated at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, in action. Our first kidney transplant was in 1968, and we are always so proud to see our patients go on to be active and compete following their transplants.”

Adults can also proactively sign up to the same NHS Organ Donor Register to become a donor whilst they are alive. For more information about the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk