Vera will compete in the Games for her first time when she travels to Bangkok to represent her country in ten pin bowling, petanque, and the 3km walk.

“I am looking forward to the Games but I am a little apprehensive because I haven’t taken part before in the Games. I will take it as it comes,” said Vera.
The National Treasurer of the Irish Kidney Association, who received a kidney transplant in 1993, travelled to Canada in 2005 as a supporter of the Irish squad.

“The feedback and awareness of organ donation that the Games promote is huge,” added Vera.

“My transplant totally changed my life. I can do so much more now. I take part in exercise and activities that I wouldn’t have been able to prior to the transplant.”

Vera was on dialysis for five years before the transplant in 1993. Her husband Eddie will accompany her to the World Games, which run from Saturday, August 25th, until Sunday, September 2nd.

“The friendships built up during these Games are fantastic and part of the experience,” she said.

“The Irish contingent really are wonderful and they renowned for their ‘craic’ and fun and they always seem to draw a crowd wherever they go. They make the place their own when they travel to the different competitions.”
Although she is an avid golfer, Vera will not compete in the golf competition. Instead she will take compete for Ireland in ten pin bowling, petanque and the 3k walk.

“It will be nothing too strenuous,” she laughs.

In order to travel to Thailand for the 16th World Games, each participant must raise money to fund their trip. The World Games promote organ donation awareness and encourage people to say yes to organ donation.

“I received great support from the business community in Waterford. They were absolutely great and really helped my campaign. I am very grateful to everyone who supported me,” added Vera.

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.