Sanofi has renewed its commitment to its longstanding support for the transplant community by sponsoring the swimming event at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2025, held in Oxford this summer (31 July – 03 August).
This sponsorship highlights Sanofi’s dedication to raising awareness of life after transplant and advocating for better support for transplant recipients, including those living with complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).
The British Transplant Games, organised by Transplant Active, are the UK’s flagship event celebrating transplant recipients, live donors, and donor families. With 2500 registered entries of all ages competing in 26 sports, the Games showcase the life-saving power of organ donation and the resilience of the transplant community.
Sanofi’s commitment extends globally, as the company is also sponsoring the World Transplant Games, which will take place in Dresden, Germany, from 17 to 24 August 2025, uniting transplant athletes from over 60 countries.
This builds on Sanofi’s rich history of contributing to health and inclusivity through sport. As an official partner of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, Sanofi engaged more than 8,000 employees worldwide, including 2,024 volunteers, 300 torch bearers, and 80 marathon participants.
The initiative brought representatives from over 60 countries together, showcasing gender balance and inclusivity across generations and roles. Sanofi also launched “Team Sanofi”, selecting exceptional athletes and ambassadors committed to societal causes, such as Amandine Buchard (France, judo) and Lauren Rowles (UK, para rowing).
This summer, Sanofi continues to demonstrate its commitment to the transplant community by supporting events that celebrate resilience and shine a light on the importance of donation and transplantation.
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a potentially life-threatening immune response that occurs when donor cells attack the recipient’s tissues after an allogeneic stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
Affecting up to 40% of transplant recipients in England, symptoms range from skin hardening and gastrointestinal distress to lung inflammation, significantly impacting quality of life.
Natalia Fernandez, Transplant Franchise Lead at Sanofi UK & Ireland, said: “We are honoured to once again support the British Transplant Games and stand alongside the transplant community.
“Through our sponsorship of the swimming event, we aim to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of transplant recipients and draw attention to the ongoing challenges many face, such as graft-versus-host disease.
“Helping protect the future of transplant means prioritising early diagnosis and continued care, ensuring patients are fully supported throughout their journey.”
Paul Harden, Chair of Trustees at Transplant Active, added: “The British Transplant Games are a powerful celebration of life, resilience, and community. Sanofi’s support not only amplifies the incredible stories of our athletes but also brings attention to the critical need for awareness and early diagnosis of conditions like GvHD.
“Their commitment to the transplant community helps ensure that every participant can focus on achieving their best, knowing they are supported in their ongoing journey.”
The Games, hosted at venues across Oxford, including the iconic Blenheim Palace, will shine a light on the strength of the transplant community.
Sanofi will be present throughout the event, sharing stories of those living with GvHD and connecting with participants to promote better awareness and support.
