An employee at Alliance Healthcare who underwent a heart transplant five years ago competed in this year’s World Transplant Games to raise awareness of organ donation.

Fran Middleton (pictured), who had a heart transplant in 2018 and works as a driver trainer at the wholesaler, took part in the event in Perth, Australia and won two silver medals for Great Britain and Northern Ireland in volleyball and pétanque.

The squad included six other transplant patients from Royal Papworth Hospital who went up against teams from 45 countries in 17 different sports events.

Middleton said he hoped his participation will raise awareness of organ donation and encourage people to “share their wishes about donation after death with their families.”

“Wow, what an incredible experience,” he said. “I’m so thankful just for the chance to be able to do sport again, but to be selected for the team and to represent GB and NI is mind-blowing.” Alliance Healthcare held a prize draw to support his fundraising activities and sponsor his trip to the games.

Alliance Healthcare’s UK operations director Matt Addison said: “We are delighted to have supported Fran to get to the World Transplant Games and very proud that he bought home two silver medals.

“Fran is a great ambassador for this worthy cause that. helps raise awareness for organ donation. We are always eager to support causes that help create healthier and happier futures and congratulate Fran on his incredible achievement.”