A KIDDERMINSTER teenager who had a liver transplant when he was a toddler is taking part in a special tournament this week.

Paul Meikle will be one of 39 young patients representing Birmingham Children’s Hospital will be taking part in the Transplant Games in Newcastl, which run until Sunday (August 2).

The team, made up of children and young people who have had liver, kidney and intestinal transplants, are looking to defend the hospital’s 18-year run as children’s champions at the games – including Best Liver team.

Paul, who is aged 13 and a pupil at King Charles High School, was born with a condition which meant he required a liver transplant when he was aged just 15-months-old.

He is a repeat visitor to the games, and is taking part in swimming, badminton and table tennis events.

His mum Ruth said: “I am really proud of Paul taking part in the games. It was tough at the time but, as soon as he had his transplant, he was fine.

“He is now able to all the normal things teenagers do. He loves going to the Transplant Games and has been doing so for the past six or seven years. He has a lot of friends there and enjoys taking part.”

Sara Clarke, Senior Dietician and Transplant Games Team Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital said: “Many of our team members compete at the games year after year, and we are very sad when they reach 18 and have to move to the adult teams.

“It is a fantastic event enjoyed by everyone and it is so beneficial for all our transplant patients to meet each other and share their experiences of the transplant journey.

“The Games are also an opportunity to promote the success of transplantation and we hope that this encourages more people to join the donor register.”

The team is sponsored by Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Charity and the Johnnie Johnson Trust which makes grants to young people’s organisations.