Hello everyone I’m James Doherty and I am the Harefield representative for the European Heart and Lung Transplant Championships (EHLTC).

Next year this fantastic event will take place in Vitoria which is south of Bilbao, Spain from 8 – 12 June 2020. More detailed information will hopefully be online in December on the EHLTF website and on facebook on the Harefield Transplant Club group. Registration will be around January 2020 on the EHLTF website.

There is no qualification process to be part of Team GB, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people from other UK hospitals and make many international friends. Team GB usually takes  around 60 athletes and supporters. I have taken part in two EHLTC so far and have  thoroughly enjoyed them!

Our Team Manager for Team GB at the  Euros, Lynda Ellis, will arrange team  accommodation in a hotel which usually  includes meals and transport to the sport venues but you can always book your  own if you prefer and just register as an   athlete/ supporter online.

The sports for athletes to take part in are Athletics (track and field events), swimming, badminton, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, golf, cycling and cross country run of 5k.

These games are only open to heart and lung transplant recipients which makes competition a more level playing field.

If you want to know anymore about the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games please contact me by email at f2jpd@yahoo.com

For more information please check out the British heart and lung transplant association website:  https://www.bhlta.org.uk/latest_news/further-information-for-european-games-2020/