”At 19 I joined the Police Force in Birmingham, this was 1969. After a virus attacked my kidneys, I had to leave the Force after about 18 months, because the prognosis was not good and for the first two years in the police, your status is provisional. A year or later at the age of 22 I commenced dialysis. A kidney machine at home,  30 hours a week , 3 x 10 hours overnight. Very strict salt free diet, and only able to be away from home for 2 or 3 days. 

This restricted lifestyle lasted for six years until I received a successful kidney transplant, in 1978, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Having been advised of the Transplant Games, which was first held in Portsmouth, in 1978. I thought I would like to get involved. So in 1979, I took part in the 5 mile walk along the sea front at Southsea, and to my surprise won. This started an involvement with the Transplant Games for over 20 years. I was a competitor, Birmingham Team Manager, Transplant Games Management Committee member. and Membership Secretary.

As a competitor I represented GB six times, in middle distance races, (1,500 metres, 5k and 800 metres)winning some medals including 2 golds. My last time was in Sydney, in 1997, where I won gold for 800 metres and silver for 1,500 metres. Apart from the Transplant Games, I have also completed seven marathons , including the London Marathon twice (1982 and 1990).

On a personal note, my wife and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in October. I reflect, and am very grateful to the relatives who allowed the donation of their loved ones organs, at a time of much grief for themselves, and allowed me to have a very fulfilled life.”