THE family of a young Castlewellan girl are celebrating after she won multiple gold medals at the British Transplant Games.
Evie Keown (4) was born with just half of her heart functioning and received a transplant in 2019.
Although she still needs to take medication for life, Evie travelled to the games in Coventry and has just returned home with three gold medals.
Evie competed as part of the Freeman Children’s Hospital team, where she first received life-saving care before and after her transplant.
With parents Gareth and Kelly-Anne there to cheer her along, as well as sisters Muireann (11) and Meave (6), Evie triumphed in the 25-metre track, obstacle and beanbag archery categories.
Praising her “little super star,” Evie’s mum shared pictures of the big day.
“Coventry 2023 you have been amazing,” she said.
“Three gold medals for your little super star Evie. What an amazing experience with some amazing people, especially our Freemans family.”
Read more
Dáithí Mac Gabhann in 'a stable condition' after his latest heart surgery in Newcastle
‘Thank you, you have given me life again' - Moira woman on the gift of organ donation
Big sister Muireann also picked up gold with the Freemans soccer team while Gareth picked up silver in the dads’ soccer competition.
Running for over 40 years, the British Transplant Games are held in different host cities every summer with teams from hospitals across the UK taking part.
It aims to raise awareness for organ donation, encourage transplant recipients to lead active lifestyles while showing sensitivity for donors and their families.
Around 1,000 transplant athletes take part every year, with more than 1,700 supporters.
With all ages able to compete, many go on to compete at the World Transplant Games.
Speaking to the Mourne Observer, Mrs Keown said: “We could not believe we came home with three golds.
“It’s just a great family-focussed event, and the opening ceremony would remind you of the Olympics, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when donor families entered the arena.”
While “remarkable” Evie still needs multiple medical appointments, her mum adds: “Evie has her daily battles, but she is absolutely amazing. She is really social and loves to be taking part in things so to do the games again was just perfect and we are very proud of her. “
“She just loves life. She is our little fighter, and we are so grateful to have her here.”
