PC 'given second chance at life' after transplant

A policeman is urging people to think about the importance of organ donation after competing in the British Transplant Games.

Derbyshire officer Daniel Bird was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease when he was 13 years old.

After his health declined later on in life, he underwent a liver transplant last December and took part in the games for the first time this year.

The 42-year-old, who competed in the Nottingham team in golf, darts and seven-a-side football, told BBC Radio Derby: "Without the donors and their families, we wouldn't be here."

"They are the special ones; those who choose to donate their organs or the organs of loved ones," he added.

About 1,000 transplant recipients of all ages took part in various sports at the event, which was held this year in Nottingham for the first time from 1 to 4 August.

The games, which have been running for more than 40 years, are aimed at showing the benefits of transplantation, encouraging patients to regain fitness, and increasing awareness of the need for more donors.

Mr Bird was on the waiting list for 18 months with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver disease that makes the bile ducts in the organ become narrow or blocked due to scar tissue from previous medication.

The officer, who has worked in the force for 15 years, received his transplant and was discharged before Christmas last year.

He said: "When these things happen, you do think 'why am I going through this?' Meeting other people at the games reminds you it's not just me; we've all been given a second chance to just get on with life and to go for it.

"It picks up something positive out of a traumatic time, the transplant has changed who I am."

Mr Bird is now back working in the uniform task force, a specialist unit which responds to searches, warrants and planned operations.

"Because of the medication I have to take to manage my condition and transplant, I can't do water searches any more due to lower immunity," said Mr Bird.

"I am, however, back to playing football, golf, and I'm now trained to fly drones at work and I feel great.

"It's so important to have those conversations about organ donation, just in case. We always need more donors."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.