Girl, seven, gets ready to dash into her first transplant games

Joanne Ginley

BETHANY Salmon is not going to let a bout of pneumonia stop her taking part in her first British Transplant Games.

The seven-year-old, one of only 20 children in the UK with a rare genetic liver disorder, had her transplant last January.

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She did not compete in last year’s games as it was too soon after the surgery.

This year, however, the youngster from Thornhill, Dewsbury, is raring to go despite battling pneumonia in the last few weeks, which left her in hospital and on an antibiotic drip.

Now she is on the mend and excited about taking part in the Games in Bath.

Her mother, Sam Marston, said: “Last year we went as supporters for our team.

“This year when we got the invite we just jumped at it.

“She is really excited about joining in.”

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Bethany suffers from Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis which causes total liver failure. She was told her only chance was to have a liver transplant.

She plans to compete in events including the 50m dash, obstacle race, ball throw and long jump.

A record 700 athletes are expected to take part in the games, organised by the charity Transplant Sport UK, including many from Yorkshire.

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