Northern Ireland transplant team returns from inaugural world cup

The team formed in the last year when organisers went on a recruitment drive around hospitals in Northern Ireland.

“It’s getting the word out there to get people back into the sport so they can keep themselves fit and well physically and mentally,” she said.

One of the players who found out about the team while in hospital was Mark Hughes.

Mark had a kidney transplant 17 months ago and was handed a leaflet about transplant sports while recovering.

“I thought, ‘Why not get involved?’ I think it’s good because you get to meet people who are in the same circumstances as you,” he said.

Since finding out about transplant sports, Mark has competed at the British Transplant Games, external and was also in Italy for the football world cup, external.

Mark said he had a lot to reflect on after the team played their final game in Italy.

“Just over a year ago, I thought I would never play football again, so to get that opportunity made me quite emotional. So onwards and upwards. We’re building for the future.”