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Burntwood man gives British Transplant Games medals to anonymous kidney donor
Overview
Nathan Black, a 58-year-old triathlete and former bodybuilder from Burntwood, has given his British Transplant Games medals to the anonymous stranger whose donated kidney transformed his life. After suffering from renal failure and a failed transplant from his mother, Black received a second kidney via a paired donor scheme. For seven years, he sent thank-you letters and his medals to his donor, who remained anonymous until 2023. The pair finally met in person at the British Transplant Games in August 2024, and Black now encourages more people to sign up as organ donors.
Key points
- Nathan Black spent years on dialysis after developing renal failure in 2011.
- After a failed transplant from his mother, he received a second kidney through a paired donor scheme.
- Black returned to fitness, competing in five British Transplant Games and winning two silver medals and a bronze.
- He sent his medals and thank-you notes to his anonymous donor for seven years before they finally exchanged details in 2023.
- The donor and Black met in person at the British Transplant Games in Nottingham in August 2024.
- Black now hopes to inspire more people to become organ donors.