Help for transplant twins (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Help for transplant twins

9:43am Friday 2nd February 2007 in Chippenham By Gazette Reporter

SEVEN NCOs from 84 Medical Supply Squadron, Hullavington, near Chippenham are to cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise £4,000 to send twin boys to the World Transplant Games.

Luke and Ashley Campbell, the 16-year-old sons of Staff Sgt Steve Campbell, spent more than two years on dialysis before undergoing successful kidney transplants at Bristol Children's Hospital in April and June 2005.

Just over a year later Luke won gold medals in the 100 metres and obstacle races at the UK Transplant Games and finished third in the long jump, in which Ashley won gold.

As a result, they were asked to represent the UK in the World Transplant Games in Thailand in August, in which all competitors have received a life-saving organ transplant.

Now the boys have to raise the money to pay for their transport, accommodation and kit, cover the cost of four training days, and pay for an accompanying adult. The total bill is estimated at £8,000.

Staff Sgt Campbell and his colleagues, Wayne Thompson, Andy Murray, Dean Lucas, Martin Henson, Dave Wilkin and Andy Doughty will be setting out from John O'Groats on Friday.

advertisement They plan to arrive in Chippenham on February 8, when they will hold a charity auction at Buckley Barracks for colleagues and their families before pressing on to Land's End, where they hope to arrive on February 11.

Staff Sgt Campbell said: "The boys have worked incredibly hard to overcome their kidney condition and the Games will be a great experience for them, mixing with 1,000 competitors from 55 countries and being part of a British team which has topped the medals table in all 14 previous Games.

"We have already had a great response from people giving items for the auction, but if anybody feels they can help in any way please contact me on 07880 645227."