A DOUBLE kidney transplant patient from Halesowen has claimed a bronze medal at the British Transplant Games 2018.

Martin Searle took part in the games earlier this month, joining more than 1,000 transplant recipients from across the UK competing, supported by another 2,000 family, friends, sponsors, volunteers and charities.

First competing in the games in 1999, Martin, who picked up a podium spot in snooker – but also competes in a variety of other sports, said: “This is the 12th British Transplant Games I have taken part in and it will not be my last.

“It was special for me this year being in Birmingham as this is where I have had both my kidney transplants – the first in 1997 and the second in 2015.

“Although I would never take myself as being an elite player in my chosen sports, I will always look upon this prestigious event as somewhere to meet others in the same situation as myself.

“I, along with all other transplant recipients, are winners before doing anything, because thanks to our donors we have been given another special win which is a gift of life it is also to continue with life.”

The joint team manager of the Birmingham Adult Transplant Sports Team added: “The British Transplant Games to me will never be considered as a place to win medals in sports, but to be part of a special event for anyone in the world of organ donation.

“Any medals or awards gained or won, well, for me, that is always a bonus of what these games are all about.”

The games returned to Birmingham for the first time in 19 years and saw the largest ever number of competitors, from over 50 teams across the UK, come together to take part over four days.

James Neuberger, chairman of the British Transplant Games Local Organising Committee, added: “We were prepared to host the biggest games yet, but we were blown away with the number of people competing and showing their support.

“It was an absolute pleasure to host so many amazing athletes from all over the UK in Birmingham for the first time in so many years and have the opportunity to shout about the benefits of organ donation on a national stage.

“All the competitors should be very proud of themselves and everything they have achieved.”