Dr Kilbride, from Foxrock in Dublin, will travel with the team of 23 athletes to Bangkok where they will compete in the 16th World Transplant Games, which run from Saturday, August 25th until Sunday, September 2nd.

“This will be my fourth time travelling with the team so I’m practically a veteran at this stage and I love it. It is wonderful fun and it is such a privilege and an honour to go with the team. Each year is different and every year throws up different challenges but I always enjoy it,” she said.

Emer, who is a GP at Barrow Medical on Barrow Street in Dublin, got involved with the IKA when she worked on the kidney transplant unit at Beaumont hospital and was recommended by a friend to travel with the Irish team.

Dr Kilbride graduated from UCD in 1997 and feels that the Games are a great outlet for the transplant recipients.

“The Games are great way of helping the former dialysis patients return to health and fitness and compete as an athlete,” she said.

“They are celebrating a new lease of life after the dramatic events of their transplants and being on dialysis. It’s all about restoring health and enriching lives.”

She feels that there is great medical assistance available at the events. “We are well supported by the official medical services attached to each of the Games, however it is has been very helpful to have the medical staff travelling with the team. For cases such as a sports injury for example, I can ascertain whether they need further assistance rather than having them wait in an emergency department,” added Dr Emer.

“Also, the athletes get the usual tummy bugs, colds and flus as anybody else, so it is helpful that I am on hand to help.”

You can follow the team’s progress on www.transplantteamireland.com.
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