From 31 July to 03 August, Oxfordshire will proudly host the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, a remarkable celebration of life, sporting achievement, and the power of organ donation.
This vibrant four-day event will see more than 2,600 transplant recipients, live donors, donor families and supporters take part in 26 different sporting events — from archery and athletics to badminton and swimming — at venues across the county.
Now in its 46th year, the Games bring together people whose lives have been transformed by transplantation to demonstrate what’s possible after surgery and raise vital awareness around the importance of organ donation.
For Oxfordshire residents, it’s a rare opportunity to witness inspiring personal stories and elite sporting determination in equal measure — and the public is warmly encouraged to attend.
Where to See the Action
Thursday 31 July
Blenheim Palace becomes the beating heart of the Games, hosting:
- Archery & Live Donor Archery | 10.00am – 4.30pm
- Civic Reception | 5.00pm – 6.00pm
- Opening Ceremony | 5.30pm – 8.00pm
Elsewhere:
- Volleyball & Squash | 12.00pm – 3.30pm | Iffley Road Sports Centre
- Snooker | 1.30pm – 4.30pm | Thame Snooker Club
- Children’s Table Tennis | 1.30pm – 5.00pm | White Horse Leisure Centre
- Practice Golf | 12.30pm – 3.30pm | The Oxfordshire
Friday 01 August
- Golf & Social Golf | 8.30am – 4.30pm | The Oxfordshire
- Cycling & Children’s Cycling | 10.30am – 4.00pm | Weston on the Green
- Ten Pin Bowling | 10.30am – 2.30pm | Hollywood Bowl, Oxford
- Table Tennis | 9.30am – 3.00pm | White Horse Leisure Centre
- Athletics Skills & Field Events | 1.30pm – 3.00pm | Tilsley Park
- Darts | 7.30pm – 10.30pm | Bradmoor Farm Sports Bar
Plus a full schedule of children’s obstacle courses, tennis, and sport stacking across White Horse Leisure Centre and Tilsley Park.
Saturday 02 August
- 6 A Side Football | 9.30am – 1.30pm | The MGroup Stadium
- Swimming (including children’s and live donor events) | 9.30am – 5.30pm | Leys Pools
- Badminton & Children’s Badminton | 8.30am – 5.30pm | White Horse Leisure Centre
- Bowls | 9.00am – 5.30pm | Oxford City & County Bowls Club
- Walk & Children’s Walk | 10.00am – 3.00pm | Tilsley Park
Evening events at Blenheim Palace:
- Road Races | 6.30pm – 9.00pm
- Donor Run (open to all) | 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Sunday 03 August
- Track & Field (including live donor and children’s events) | 9.00am – 5.30pm | Tilsley Park
- Tennis | 9.30am – 4.00pm | White Horse Leisure Centre
- Petanque | 10.00am – 3.00pm | Blenheim Palace
- Handover Ceremony | 1.30pm – 2.00pm | Tilsley Park
The People Powering the Games
The Games are made possible thanks to the vision, leadership, and dedication of individuals and organisations who are passionate about championing the gift of life through organ donation.
At the helm is Dr Paul Harden, Chair of the British Transplant Games and Transplant Active, and a transplant physician based in Oxford. Over the past 20 years, Dr Harden has worked to improve outcomes for patients and pioneered services for young adult transplant recipients in Oxfordshire. Hosting the Games in his home county makes this year’s event especially meaningful.
Dr Harden said:
“The Westfield Health British Transplant Games thrive off our valued supporters of lifesaving transplants. The Games are not only a significant event for raising awareness of organ transplants, but they also celebrate the strength, resilience and bravery of both organ donors and transplant recipients. The Games and the transplant community are proud to have sponsors who are so committed to the improvement of healthcare and championing the gift of life through organ donation.”
Also instrumental is Yuri Matischen, Managing Director of MLS, who has led the delivery of the Games for over a decade. Combining deep experience in staging major events with a commitment to community engagement, Yuri has helped shape the Games into the inspiring national celebration they are today.
Their work is strongly supported by a network of valued partners and sponsors, including Sanofi, Oxford Kidney Unit Trust, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxfordshire Freemasons, Kidney Care UK, British Liver Trust, the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, School Scholars Systems, Global Kidney Foundation, MA Group, B. Braun Medical Ltd, and Fresenius Medical Care.
Let’s not forget the hundreds of participants who are at the heart of the Games — transplant recipients, live donors, donor families, and supporters — each with a powerful story of courage, generosity and resilience. And here in Oxfordshire, dozens of local volunteers are giving their time and energy to help make the Games a success and leave a lasting legacy for the transplant community.
A Story of Courage: Meet Harry Maceachan
One such inspiring participant is Harry Maceachan, whose journey is a powerful reminder of why the Games matter. Born with biliary atresia, Harry faced unimaginable health challenges from the very start. He received his first liver transplant just before his first birthday.
By the age of five, Harry needed a second transplant — this time, his father selflessly stepped in as a living donor. Then, in December 2024, Harry underwent a third life-saving transplant from a deceased donor, a gift that brought him new hope and a renewed lease on life.
Now training to compete at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Oxford, Harry is a shining example of strength, bravery, and determination. His story is one of many that will be celebrated across the four-day event.
Be Part of It
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, attending the Donor Run, or simply showing your support, the British Transplant Games are a chance to witness something truly extraordinary. Come and celebrate the gift of life — right here in Oxfordshire.
Visit the British Transplant Games website at britishtransplantgames.co.uk for more information.
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