Andrea Bingham

Last year was a very special year for Ben and our family. Ben has a condition which caused his kidneys to be irrevocably damaged during pregnancy. Since birth he has had many ops inc bladder surgery &the implantation of a feeding tube.From 09 Ben&I had been getting ready for me 2donate a kidney 2 him.2 be able 2 do this for him I needed 2lose 3st &as iam the assistant coach at the Abbey Judo Club at the Valley LC, it seemed appropriate that I simply start competing again in order 2lose the weight. During 09, with the support of my fellow coaches&club members I managed2 become N Ireland Senior Champion and pick up a silver medal in both the N Ireland Open &a bronze in the Scottish Open.On 15th Feb, 10dys after his 5th b'day, Ben became the youngest person in N Ireland to receive a live donor transplant. The operation for Ben took over 7hrs and he spent 3days in intensive care afterwards. The transplant has made a big change to his life and now he has lots of energy and it would be great if he could use it to be a part of this great event. His courage and determination through his illness and operations, and the fact that he keeps a smile on his face at all times mean that he is an inspiring little boy to be around. Ben will b competing in the UK Transplant Games this year and his ambition is to become a childrens renal doctor in the future. We would love it if he, or both of us, could have this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the 2013 Olympics.