Bubble Children take on the Transplant Games 2026

Many of our Bubble children had a lovely weekend at this year’s British Transplant Games in Sheffield, joining children and families from across the country to celebrate life after transplant.

From athletics and tug of war to the 2.5K Donor Run, there was something for children of all ages and abilities. Our Bubble children were making new friends, collecting medals and, most importantly, having the chance to simply be children alongside others who understand their journey.

For families who have been through a transplant, opportunities like this can mean so much more than sport....The Games bring together transplant recipients, donors, families and supporters, creating a community where there is often no need to explain the experiences that have shaped their lives. Everyone arrives with their own story, but there is a shared understanding of what it means to go through a transplant journey.

Mum Sophie wrote: "For Matt and I, the whole weekend was incredibly humbling. After years of feeling isolated, there’s something special about meeting other parents and families who “just know.” You don’t have to explain what you’ve been through, because in one way or another, they’ve lived it too."

One of our Bubble children, Jasper, had an especially memorable first Games. He gave almost every event a go, coming away with three participation medals, competing in running, shot put and javelin, and taking part in the team tug of war. He also completed the epic 2.5K Donor Run in a chicken suit! 🐔 and we know how fond Jasper is of that chicken suit if you've seen his chicken banana video! Despite the heat, Jasper powered his way around the course and finished the weekend already talking about what he wants to practice for next year

Every person at the Games has their own transplant story and their achievements represent just how much they have overcome since transplant on Ward 3. The weekend also gave our Bubble families the opportunity to connect with the wider transplant community and with Team Great North Children's Hospital.

We're so happy to see these photos and hear these stories and couldn't be prouder of all of our Bubble children, if they went to the games or not.

Next year the games are in Birmingham, we're already wondering how many more of our Bubble families might like to get involved?? Could the Transplant Games be the next adventure for one of our Bubble children? 💙

A huge well done to all the children, donors, families, supporters and everyone involved in team GNCH.