TSG gets in the donor spirit

Newcastle-based VAR is confirmed as first sponsor of British Transplant Games

VAR TSG has gone one step further than donating to a good cause by sponsoring an entire sporting event dedicated to organ transplant survivors.

The Gosforth-based business, headed up by Graham Wylie (pictured) is one of the first companies to be confirmed as a sponsor of the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, organised specifically for those who have had life-saving organ transplant surgery.

Set to take place between 30 July and 2 August, the organisers are hoping the event will raise awareness of the need to register as an organ donor. The four-day event will see competitors take part in a range of sports including swimming at the Sunderland Aquatic Centre, track and field at Gateshead International Stadium, golf, tennis and bowling, plus a further 25 activities across the region aimed at and adults and children.

Carole Beverley, communications director at TSG, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved with such an inspirational event and are very proud to be showcasing our fantastic region to the visiting athletes.

“TSG staff are investing a lot of time and effort into helping the organisers make sure the 38th British Transplant Games will be one of the biggest and most celebrated events in the region this year.

“We are providing expertise in marketing and fundraising along with financial support. It has been an exceptionally satisfying experience so far. It’s also a great opportunity for employee engagement and we will be putting a team into the Donor Run along the quayside and asking for volunteers to help with the Games.

“The organising committee contains people with tremendous energy and passion and if we can help them raise awareness of the Games and encourage more regional businesses to participate in whatever way they can, we’ll be delighted.”

Beverley added: “The British Transplant Games are hugely important for giving the competitors a chance to celebrate the new lease of life that their transplants have given them.

“It also helps show the local community just how vital it is for relevant organ donors to be available, especially when you hear the staggering facts that more than 10,000 people in the UK currently need an organ transplant, three people die each day waiting for a transplant and only 32 per cent of the British population are on the NHS Donor Register. The very least we can do is help raise awareness.

“So many people will be connected in one way or another to a transplant story within their family or through close friends. So this is also about showing the appreciation for all the fantastic medical teams involved around the country and especially in the North East whose hard work brings hope to all those undergoing transplant surgery.”