Inspirational Chesterfield man takes centre stage at British Transplant Games – after battling kidney failure caused by Covid-19
An inspirational Chesterfield man has taken centre stage at the British Transplant Games after Covid-19 led to his kidney failing.
Mark Gedney, a Chesterfield man who has undergone two kidney transplants, took centre stage at the opening ceremony for the British Transplant Games – which was held at Sheffield City Hall on Thursday, August 6.
The 57-year-old was part of the team who received the ceremonial flag from the previous hosts – and will be competing at the games just three years after his second transplant took place.
Mark’s sister Diane said: “He first had a kidney transplant in 1991 at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. That transplant lasted 30 years and gave Mark a normal life until it failed after he became very ill with Covid. After 18 months of having dialysis three times a week, we got the phone call that a kidney was available for him and in June 2023 he had his second transplant.
”Mark now works with his trainer Tom Broad at a gym in Chesterfield every week to maintain and build his strength. He is competing in ten pin bowling and a 5km walk at the British Transplant Games for Team Sheffield – with people representing the teams where their surgeries took place. On Saturday evening we will all do a 2.5km walk through Sheffield city centre together to celebrate the gift of life with hundreds of other families.
“Last week we were asked if Mark wanted to be part of the team who went up on stage at a packed Sheffield City Hall to receive the flag from last years hosts and be part of the games flame lighting ceremony. We were all a bit worried but Mark didn’t hesitate to say yes, and having seen Status Quo at the venue a few times he couldn’t wait to walk in their footsteps.”
Dianne added that Mark’s loved ones were incredibly proud of his achievements and positive outlook – and urged people to consider donating their organs and help people in similar situations.
She said: “Mark’s dad, sisters and family are more proud of Mark than words can ever describe. He approaches all of life’s challenges with a smile and is an inspiration to us all.
“We would ask and encourage everyone to have a conversation with their family about organ donation, you have no idea until you live with it how absolutely life changing it is for the recipients.”