James Nolan (40) has enjoyed the new lease of life since his sister Catherine donated one of her kidneys for a successful operation in July 1987, and has even taken part in treks in the Andes and Everest and ridden a winner at the Punchestown National Hunt Racing Festival.

Since getting the new kidney, Kilcullen man James has used sport as a means of returning to a healthy lifestyle, and he says training for next month’s 16th World Transplant Games in Thailand is the best possible motivation. “I really value wearing the Irish singlet,” he said.

“My sister Catherine was a 100 per cent match and I am so grateful to her for giving me the gift of life. It was a phenomenal act of courage by her.”
James’ positive attitude and vibrant personality is immediately obvious – and it’s all down to the second chance given to him by the transplant.  “It makes you appreciate the simple things in life so much more,” he added.

The keen sportsman will travel to Bangkok to compete in the World Transplant Games, starting on August 25th.

“I cannot wait. It is the most wonderful occasion where I am reminded of how lucky I am. It is a celebration of life where the person who finishes last in an event might be the greatest winner by simply qualifying for a final and overcoming major health issues just to be there. It is an opportunity to give thanks to my family and especially Catherine, and also for all the other people who made the very tough decisions to donate the organs of family members,” he said.

James explains that Ireland is in desperate need of more organ donors and urges people to carry an organ donor card.  “We had 142 kidney transplants in Ireland last year but sadly the number of people going onto dialysis was three times that, and we simply need to create more awareness about the necessity of carrying a donor card and informing your family of your wishes is also important. The message we all want to get across is: please - don’t bring your organs to heaven – because heaven knows we need them here on earth,” he said.

The event in Thailand will be James’ sixth Transplant Games.  However, the level-headed butcher maintains that while he has trained hard with Shay and Kevin Walker at Newbridge Athletic Club for the last four months he does not focus too much on winning, and aims only to performing to the best of his ability.

“If that is good enough to win a medal, well I will be thrilled and honoured. But if there are three guys faster then I will shake their hands and congratulate them  At the end of the day I will be back in the butcher’s the following week,” he said.

The Kildare man received huge support from his family and reminisces that when they saw him attached to machines in his hospital bed during his ‘tough times’ they wouldn’t have thought he could have gone on to accomplish as much as he has.

His girlfriend Emma will cheer him on as he competes for his country in Golf and four Athletic Track events.

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

For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050 or log on to www.ika.ie for more information.