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Dewsbury girl's Transplant Games delight
Brave Bethany Salmon isn't going to let anything – even pneumonia – stop her taking part in her first British Transplant Games.
The seven-year-old had a liver transplant in January last year so was unable to participate in the 2009 games.
But this year she is raring to go, even though she is just getting over pneumonia.
Her mum Sam Marston said: "Last year we went as supporters for our team.
"This year when we got the invite we just jumped at it.
"She is really excited about joining in."
Bethany suffers from a rare genetic liver disorder, Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC).
Only 20 children in the UK have the illness, which causes total liver failure.
The youngster, from Thornhill, Dewsbury, faced a battle for life and was told her only chance was a liver transplant.
In October 2008 she went onto the transplant list and months later had the operation thanks to an anonymous donation.
Since then her condition has improved, though over the last few weeks she has battled pneumonia which left her in hospital on an antibiotic drip.
Now she is on the mend and thrilled about having the chance to take part in the Transplant Games, as last year her family could not be sure she would be well enough.
Instead they went along to support the Leeds Little Livers team, but this time Bethany will be competing herself and meeting other youngsters who have had similar surgery.
"It's going to be a good day, feeling like we are taking part rather than just watching," Sam added.
"Bethany is full of energy. The problem is that she gets a lot of pain, and it's her stamina.
"But we don't look at her and think 'she's an ill child'."
Bethany will be going to the games in Bath, which start today, along with her mum, dad Tony and sister Eloise, five.
She plans to compete in events including the 50m dash, obstacle race, ball throw, long jump and athletics.
A record 700 athletes are taking part in this year's events, including adults and children from throughout Yorkshire.
The games, which have been organised by the charity Transplant Sport UK, run until Sunday.
Lynne Holt, of Transplant Sport UK, said: "All these athletes should be an inspiration to people, as they grab their second chance at life with both hands, clearly demonstrating how well they are after recovering from their lifesaving transplant."
Almost 8,000 people in the UK are waiting for a transplant. To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, log on at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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