A Moray teen has won two medals at a prestigious sporting event in honour of the donor who saved her life.
Millie Nicoll, 17, said giving up was “not an option” when she travelled down to Wales for the British Transplant Games in Newport last week.
The aim of the event – organised on behalf of charity Transplant Sport – is to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
Millie competed in table tennis, winning a bronze medal, shot-putt, where she won a silver medal with her six metre throw, and a 3k run.
The Speyside High School pupil was born with biliary atresia, an illness which damages the liver by causing bile ducts in the organ to become blocked.
Countless hospital trips ensued, and she was forced to give up many of her favourite hobbies and sports.
In 2017 she finally received a liver transplant, and was told the organ had been donated by a 19-year-old man, but was given no further information.
She said: “I completed the 3km donor run in memory of my donor and his family and when I crossed the finish line it was the best feeling ever.
“It was very hot when we did it and half way through I was ready to give up but I knew that was not an option, I couldn’t, not after everything they have done for me, I had to do this for him and his family, I owe them everything.
“I was really proud of myself for doing it.”
Millie also hopes that her role in the Transplant Games will give hope to children waiting on transplants, and also inspire people to sign up to the organ register.
And here they come! Parade of athletes at British Transplant Games @WHBTG in #Newport. #Superheroes pic.twitter.com/Kbc5GUpEY6
— Betsy Bassis (@BassisBetsy) July 25, 2019
She said: “The games made me think that I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this if it wasn’t for my donor and his family saving my life.
“They help to raise awareness of organ donation and the importance to share you wishes with your loved ones.
“It’s such an important conversation that every family should have.
“I also think that this event gives hope to people who are waiting on the transplant list.”
To donate to Millie’s fundraiser for Transplant Sport, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/millie-nicoll