Transplant Team Ireland - Peter ‘delighted’ with four-medal haul

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Peter ‘delighted’ with four-medal haul

Written by Colin White
Tuesday, 02 September 2008
Peter Heffernan today (TUESDAY) made light of his ongoing dialysis requirements to win a staggering four medals in the pool, at the 5th European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Wurzburg, Germany. Tonight he is one of the heroes of the Irish team in Wurzburg, with every member of the squad realising just how difficult it can be to compete in sport while on dialysis. The Skerries man self-dialyses four times a day, and looks to sport to help him maintain a healthy attitude and body. Peter won two silver and two bronze medals in the Veteran class in the pool, and afterwards declared himself “delighted” with this achievement. “It was a tough day,” he said, “because I was swimming five times. That took a bit of doing, and I had to stay fresh between events. “I swam and played water polo before I became ill and needed dialysis. I remember picking up a brochure from the Irish Kidney Association promoting dialysis and transplant sports, and I said to myself that I wanted to get involved in that. “Swimming, which has always been my sport, helped me to stay fit doing something I really enjoy. I am just so happy to have these medals this evening and I wish the rest of the team every success for the rest of the week. It truly is a team effort here.” The European Transplant and Dialysis Games aim to highlight the importance of organ donation and promote the idea of healthy living through sport. They also allow the athletes an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of their transplants. Log onto www.transplantteamireland.com to follow the team’s progress. For Organ Donor Cards freetext the word DONOR to 50050 or visit the Irish Kidney Association website www.ika.ie.