Laurence Smith - World Transplant Games

Laurence Smith recently won a gold medal in his age group at the World Transplant Games. Laurence is from the Rangiora Squash Club in Christchurch. 

Nathan Smith one of Laurence's sons sent us the following about Laurence's achievement:

My father is the reason my brother and I play squash in the first place. Like most kids we grew up playing rugby and cricket, but the sport we have always played has been squash. I still remember the late nights at Cheviot Squash Club!

Dad suffers from Chronic Kidney Failure. Think of it as more of a defect than something hereditary. His kidneys look like two heads of broccolli, all shrivelled. He had lived with this condition his whole life, and continued playing squash among other sports. 

His kidney function has slowly depleted over time and eventually to a point where a new kidney was needed or face dialysis. He had no shortage of support with all three of his children offering up their kidney. However it was myself that followed through with the process.

The operation was a success, I had my left kidney removed and hours later it was in my dad. Overnight there was a complication, a blood clot. It was utterly devastating to find out that the kidney had failed because of a clot... especially after being told how little the possibility was. I will never forget that day, ever. But I would never regret giving up a kidney to see my father live to meet my first born, be at my wedding and hopefully more.

Dad was lucky enough to not need dialysis following the failure of the kidney transplant. A year after, his younger brother Glen offered up his kidney. Travelling a huge distance from Belgium, he made it safely to New Zealand to try again. This time there were no hitches and the transplant was a success. Finally, some relief that my father will be around for a few more years.

Following on from the transplant, dad has taken the opportunity to travel with his wife Adrienne. He decided to take part in the World Transplant Games 2013 in South Africa. I can't tell you how proud we were when he won gold in squash for his age group (50-59)!

He missed out on the Australian Transplant due to having the Flu. This year the World Transplant Games were in Argentina. He managed to defend his place by winning gold for the second time consecutively. We are all very proud of him and his achievements prove how much difference people can make to other's lives. Sure my uncle and I had incentive as a member of dad's family, but I believe this experience has influenced others to get involved in some way by either raising awareness or donating an organ.

I might sound biased, but in my book - anyone that makes a decision to become a live donor deserves more than a gold medal.

Well done Laurence on your achievement!