Mary's four-some Games challenge

Dayboro resident Mary Albrow, 80, is preparing to represent Queensland in four sports at next week’s Australian Transplant Games.

She will be one of around 500 competitors in Canberra to celebrate those who have received a life-saving transplant.

Mary received a liver transplant in 1995, after 10 months on the waiting list.

Almost three decades later, the gift of life has allowed her to spend more time with family and achieve things she once thought impossible.

“I’ve got to see my sons get married and welcomed six beautiful grandchildren,” said Mary.

“I’ve participated in multiple Australian and World Transplant Games and travelled the world. Thirty years ago I never would’ve been able to do all that.”

Mary will be competing in athletics, lawn bowls, pétanque and ten pin bowling at the Australian Transplant Games from October 1-6.

“I’m so grateful to the person that gave me this second chance at life and I’m making the most of it!”

It will be the 17^th Australian Transplant Games, with this year’s theme and call to action ‘give the gift of tomorrow, register as a donor today’.

This six-day event, features competitors, including transplant recipients, living donors and donor families, and supporters with the opportunity to compete in 19 different sports.

The Games provide both elite and social athletes the chance to represent their state on the national stage.

It also promotes the important message that transplantation saves lives – and every Australian can leave a legacy by registering as an organ and tissue donor.

Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas said with more than 1800 Australians are currently waiting for a transplant.

“Every Australian can make a difference by registering as a donor. It takes just one minute but has the potential to give someone years of extra life,” Mr Thomas said.

“These Games demonstrate what transplant recipients can achieve on the sporting field.”

The Organ & Tissue Authority is the Official Partner of the Australian Transplant Games, which will be held at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra.

The Australian transplant community will also be joined by transplant athletes from New Zealand and Thailand.

Mary and her family urge all Australians to make their decision count and to join the organ donor register at donatelife.gov.au.