Scarlett McNally: Record high waiting lists for organ transplantation require awareness and action

I recently competed in the British Transplant Games in Sheffield, as the event reached its 48th year.1 More than 1000 transplant recipients and live donors took part, and hundreds of volunteers supported. I’ve always encouraged exercise as part of health, especially for people with health conditions. But since this year’s games I’m also encouraging people to register their decisions on organ donation and sign up to be a stem cell donor.23The event shone with community. Children whose organs had been failing were running, laughing, and thriving. Siblings bonded over sport after coping with more turmoil than any child should bear. Their parents connected with others who had shared experiences.There was a standing ovation as donor families entered for the opening ceremony. I listened to powerful stories from people at the games—people determined to make something positive from the grief of losing a loved one, by allowing organ and tissue donation….