12-year-old Alex started skiing when he was four years old, just one year after he had his kidney transplant. Fast forward 8 years and Alex has just won three gold medals in the World Transplant Winter Games in Bormio, Italy. His amazing mum, Julie also picked up silver and bronze! What an inspiring family!
Alex was transferred to Alder Hey at just 3 days old after his kidneys failed. The only option was a transplant. Alex’s Mum was tested, and fortunately was a match. However, Alex had to wait until he was three years old for the operation to make sure he was big enough to accept an adult kidney so spent most of his early life on dialysis.
“Life was restricted, particularly for Alex in the last year when he was on dialysis. He could only have a certain amount of liquid and we had to puree his food. But just days after the operation in 2015, Alex had the most energy he’s ever had and was acting like a lively three-year-old. We share a passion for skiing and the games remind him that he is not the only one and there are loads of other people who have been through transplants. I’m so proud of him.”
Julie, Alex’s mum
The World Transplant Games celebrate the gift of life and brings together thousands of people united by a common bond.