Brother’s kidney is gold for cyclist at Transplant Games

A GLASNEVIN cycling athlete has attributed the gold medals he won at last week’s World Transplant Games to the ‘fast’ kidney he received from his brother 30 years ago.

Despite harsh winds John Moran sped to victory in the 10km cycling time trial in the 60-69 age category with a time of 18.07 minutes and followed that up with a second gold medal in the 30km event.

“I am delighted and thrilled – the pressure is off now,” said John after his first medal.

“A big thank you to all of those who have supported me, my wife Angela who has travelled here with me and of course a special thanks to my brother Frank who gave me his ‘fast’ kidney 34 years ago."

A day later, John was back in the saddle for the gruelling 30km race around 17 laps with lots of turns and corners. But the near invincible 61-year-old put in an age-defying performance to finish first.

"I'm really happy with that,” he said after the achievement. 

“I'm delighted to be able to achieve two golds in the sport that I love, cycling.

“I found the course today easier than yesterday's. After three laps, four cyclists broke away and two laps later it was just myself and a British guy and then in the final last lap I managed to sprint away to the finish line and got the Gold.

“My finish time was 55.43 and the British guy crossed the line at 56.04."

This year’s World Transplant Games took place in Newcastle in the UK. John has previously participated in several World Transplant Games and European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships, in countries including Canada, South Africa and Hungary.

He was part of a strong Irish team supported by Irish soccer legend Niall Quinn who sent a video message from Newcastle where he had recently met team member, James Nolan.

“I'm here with James Nolan from Transplant Team Ireland,” he said.

“I want to wish all of the other competitors who have gone through all of the hard work to get to those brilliant games and to wish you well, to congratulate you and also to send you a message of spirit and hope from the people like myself here who are very proud of what you are doing are proud of what you have done in your life and proud that you are showing that there is a great route forward after you have had the major traumas in your life that you guys have had.

“I would also like to say well done on getting people to donate because of course you know the value of that and if we can push a little further for organ donor subscriptions that would be great too.

“Have a great games. Represent your country. Feel proud. There are a lot of proud people here looking out for you."

For organ donor cards Freetext DONOR to 50050 or visit website www.ikw.ie/get-a-donor-card. You can also download the IKA’s digital organ donor to your smartphone.

Your wishes to be an organ donor can also be included on the new format driving licence, which is indicated on the back of the card by code 115.