The remarkable journey of the transplant patients-turned-competitors

It has been 40 years since the first British Transplant Games - an annual sporting weekend where organ recipents compete to show the world how well they're doing.

The latest competition is being held in Birmingham - and the city's children's hospital has played huge part in organising the games.

This is story of three of their young transplant patients-turned competitors, in their journeys from illness to fitness.

  • Harry Mott

Harry Mott in training for stadium athletics. Credit: ITV News Central

Nine-year-old Harry is just as active as his younger brother Ethan, but he wasn't so active before his liver transplant, at the age of just two.

His parent said he very tired, always crying, and every day his stomach seemed to get bigger and bigger. They were old by a doctor that he would need a transplant.

He is now preparing to take part in stadium athletics, including the long-jump and the 50 metre sprint.

  • Eleanor Brinkley

Eleanor practising in the pool. Credit: ITV News Central

Eleanor was seven when she got her new liver in 2016. Her road to recovery was long and dangerously tough.

She developed sepsis, her kidneys failed and her lung collapsed. It was a frightening experience for her family.

Eleanor has now recovered - and she is practising poolside for the breaststroke and backstroke swimming events.

  • Ekam Rai

Ekam's mum was his donor. Credit: ITV News Central

In 2011, the search to find a kidney donor for Ekam ended at his home in Oldbury. The perfect match for the 10-year-old turned out to be his mum.

The process took two years, but he is now so healthy, that he's taking part in several events.

Ekam will be taking on a three-kilometre mini marathon, as well as swimming, running, and the relay. He says he "really excited" and "looking forward to it".

The children will need to take medication for the rest of their lives. Credit: ITV News Central

The possibility of organ donation rejection means all three youngsters will need daily medication for the rest of their lives.

But as they get older, and as long as their transplant performs well, their doses will reduce.

Returns trips to the hospital are scheduled around every six months - and can involves doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and even psychologists.

The Transplant Games gives the chance to meet others will similar experiences. Credit: ITV News Central

The trio will compete against hundreds of others competitors in the Transplant Games.

The games are opportunity to celebrate the successes of the present, as wells as and reflecting on the struggles of the past, and encouraging donors for the future.

For the families involved, it is also a chance to meet others who have been through similar experiences.

And CLICK here to find out how they all got on!