A MAJOR transplant sports event hosted in Halton for the first time was such a resounding success, it will be held here again next year.

Around 60 of the country’s top table tennis, squash and badminton players who survived lifesaving surgery competed at Select Stadium.

They were all united by the fact that they are only alive thanks to the generosity of a donor.

International sporting champion Jade Carr, aged 21, from Widnes, who had a heart transplant when she was three, organised the table tennis tournament.

Sadly, after winning countless medals in the European, World and British Transplant Games, she now needs a kidney transplant.

She is on nightly dialysis for eight hours as she waits for lifesaving surgery.

She used to compete in long jump, badminton, table tennis, throwing and relay.

She wants to thank everyone for making the event, organised by Transplant Sport, such a success.

Jade, from Farnworth, said: “We want to thank Halton Council and Halton Table Tennis Club for hosting the event.

“We are also grateful to the coaches and volunteers who came to support, join in and help throughout the day.”

Racquets organiser Andrew Knox, aged 43, from Penketh, has received three kidneys from his parents and youngest sister.

He said: “Many of us transplant athletes have experienced near death situations and long illness.

“It’s gratifying to enjoy a full life, thanks to organ donation.

“Hopefully this event will encourage others to sign the organ donor register and importantly, discuss their wishes with their loved ones.”

There are currently around 7,000 people in the UK waiting for an organ transplant.

To register and for more information, visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call the organ donor line on 0300 1232323.