Youngest double-lung transplant patient triumphs at Transplant Games

Double lung transplant patient Imogen Bolton has returned home from the British Transplant Games with 6 medals.

The 9-year-old has been competing in the annual event that celebrates life and the value of organ donation since she was 2-years-old. Over the years she has accumulated an impressive 22 medals.

Imogen was 5 months old when she had a double lung transplant, making her the youngest and smallest recipient ever in Europe.

She was born with Alveolar Capilliary Dysplasia, a rare condition which means her lungs did not form properly. After being accepted onto the transplant list Imogen had donor lungs, which were just 6 inches long, transplanted at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Imogen’s lungs were donated by Baby Theodore "Theo" Omondi, who became the UK’s youngest lung donor. Theo suddenly fell ill and when unable to save him, his parents asked if organ donation would be possible. Theo died aged 41 days and went on to save the lives of two people in the UK, including Imogen.

Theo’s parents said: “We greatly appreciate seeing updates like this one on Imogen, as these are milestones Theo’s donation has helped her reach. We cherish Theo’s gift of life to Imogen, knowing the gift of life is precious to give and to receive.

“We hope Imogen has a wonderful time, filled with joy and laughter, at the British transplant games, together with all of the participants and their families.”

Hayley, Imogen’s mum, said: “Theo’s gift to Imogen will forever be priceless. Organ donation has given Imogen so many milestones all because Theo’s amazing family said yes.

“Imogen being 9 years post-transplant doesn’t come without it fears on a daily basis, but we make every day count from the full-on adventure days to the lazy pyjama days. There will never be enough thank you’s for Imogen’s gift, but I hope that his family know we honour him in every milestone, and every achievement Imogen achieves. They are, and will always, be held in my heart and my head. I am forever grateful.”

The British Transplant Games bring together transplant recipients, donors and their families from across the UK to celebrate life and the value of organ donation. Imogen's family travelled from Brighton to compete in the ‘mini-Olympics’ at Oxford this year.

Imogen’s mum, Hayley, dad, Jason and older siblings, Sonny and Aliessia attend each year in support of Imogen and organ donation.

Her favourite sports include the sport stacking and ball throw. Imogen said: “The Transplant Games keeps me entertained and it’s fun to make new friends.

“Winning medals makes you proud of yourself.”

Reflecting on the games, Hayley said: “For us the Games are a chance to feel normal. We always endeavour to go out for dinner as a team, and the most magical part is when it gets to medication time. No one is looking at each other or staring. The emotional support and hearing from other families is really important.”

Imogen attends the games as a member of the heart and lung team at GOSH. Organised by Catharine Stone and Harriet Carver, patient pathway co-ordinators for heart and lung transplant, they are made possible thanks to the Hearts and Lungs for kids fund at GOSH, supported by GOSH Charity.

GOSH performs hundreds of  transplants every year including cornea, lung, heart, bone marrow and kidney transplants. The GOSH transplant unit, which was set up by Professor Marc de Leval in 1988, is one of the largest specialist centres in the world. Now thanks to advances in genetic testing we’re able to diagnose babies even earlier than we could 9 years ago, meaning that we’re potentially able to offer more babies a life-saving transplant.

Dr Rossa Brugha, Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician and Imogen’s clinician, said: “It is so wonderful to see Imogen do so well. She is thriving thanks to Theo’s generous gift.

“We know parents who agree to donate their child’s organs often find comfort from knowing that their child has saved another child's life. When faced with losing a child we know it is incredibly difficult to have conversations about organ donation, but they are so important as they have the potential to save the lives of children and babies, like Imogen.”

At a time when more people than ever need a transplant to transform their lives, confirm your decision to become an organ donation on the NHS Organ Donor Register.