A brave archer who suffered a stroke just six weeks before competing at the British Transplant Games in Bolton bagged bronze – even though she had a weakened left arm.
A kidney transplant recipient on two occasions, Carla Philips told MM about her race for fitness last week on the eve of the 36th staging of the annual competition, which she claims was ‘the best she’d seen’.
And Carla, who had the added difficulty of been the only competitor using an outdated long bow, managed to put aside her health fears to arrow on to the podium.
“I’m pleased to get a medal with that after everything that has happened,” she said.
“I was relieved that my arm held out and stayed steady.”
The successful was not just limited to Carla with the event a hit in Bolton too and she says that it is no small part to the town council’s efforts.
“I had a great weekend. I must say Bolton made us very welcome and possibly the best games I’ve ever been to,” said Carla, who was competing in her fourth tournament.
“The opening ceremony was packed in Victoria Square. Lots of people turned out and it was really lovely to see people there to support us.
MEDAL RUSH: Carla with husband Peter
Carla, who had grabbed archery gold, silver and bronze in the last three years since making her Transplant Games debut in the Belfast 2011 tournament – one year after husband Peter donated a kidney in a life-saving operation.
She received her first donation at the age of 21 after suffering kidney failure during her teens.
As well as success in archery, the 43-year-old also competed in ten-pin bowling and soft cricket – as the only female member of the team to step up to the stumps.
She also scooped bronze in her secondary event of ten-pin bowling – although the left arm was given a rest after Carla’s bow and arrow excursions.
But cricket proved to be less successful as her Royal Liverpool Adults side finished last – but Carla insists she was not downhearted.
“I had so much fun that it didn’t even matter,” she said.
The Games have been staged annually since 1978 in a number of host cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
But Carla is hoping that the Bolton 2014 iteration will inspire all spectators to rush off and sign the organ donors’ list as soon with the same speed the athletes showed all weekend.
“They will have seen the benefits of organ donation and the little ones running around after their transplants,” she said.
“I hope everyone went and signed up immediately.
Carla is an advocate of charity Live Life Give Life.
