Young Amelia Green triumphed at the British Transplant Games with a haul of medals and a top trophy.
The eight-year-old who owes her life to a liver transplant when she was less than a year old took part in the six to eight age group events at the games in Liverpool at the weekend.
Amelia, a pupil at the Anthony Curton Primary School in Walpole St Peter, was born with a condition that meant her own liver failed leaving her in need of a new organ.
Her dad Edward Green, a farmer, was a live donor giving part of his liver for the life-saving operation in March 2009 and he also took part in the games taking a silver in a team relay.
Mum Roberta Green said there have been ups and downs since the operation with Amelia, who is the youngest of the couple’s five children, fighting for her life after contracting septicaemia when she was younger.
“We have had a few scares, not really related to the transplant, but she is doing well, living life to the full and is really active,” said Roberta, who travelled with Amelia and Edward to the games, joining the pair in the 5km donor race to cross the line as a family.
Amelia, from Walpole St Andrew, won three golds - long jump, 50m sprint, competitive speed cup stacking, as well as a silver in the obstacle race. She also took a couple of other medals and was awarded the trophy for the best six to eight year old competitor - receiving the award on Sunday which was her eighth birthday.
Roberta said the family were present for the opening ceremony and also the gala dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
She said: “We know there is a chance that Amelia’s liver may not last, but we keep our fingers crossed and just live life. Amelia was lucky as her dad was a match and could be a live donor for her.
“There are so many people who need a transplant. Seeing the competitors at the weekend and how fit they all were and how they were really enjoying life makes you understand just what a difference it can make.
“I never thought about being a donor before Amelia, but now I realise how important it is. You don’t need your organs once you are gone so you might as well let them go to someone who needs them. I really would encourage everyone to be a donor - you never know when it might someone you know who needs a transplant,” added Roberta.
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