Medals for Ruth at World Transplant Games
AN athlete from Yate who had a kidney transplant 11 years ago has won a haul of medals this summer.
Ruth Medcroft, 41, took part in the World Transplant Games last month, winning a silver medal in archery and high jump, and a bronze in race walking. In July, she won gold medals in the high jump and race walking, and a silver medal in archery at the British Transplant Games.
Ruth, above right, had reflux on her kidneys as a child, a condition where urine travels backwards from the bladder to kidneys and they become damaged.
As an adult, her health deteriorated and eventually she ended up on dialysis at Southmead Hospital where a renal nurse mentioned the British Transplant Games. Ruth set herself the goal of competing after her transplant.
After a two year wait she received a new kidney and in 2009, less than a year after her operation, she achieved her dream of taking part.
In 2015, Ruth won gold for race walking at the British Transplant Games and gained the top podium spot again in the same category at the World Transplant Games in Argentina.
She also came away from that event with a Team GB gold, and silver medals for the road race and 1500 metre running.
At the 2017 World Transplant Games Ruth repeated these successes but with a bronze for the 1,500 metres.
She counts herself lucky that her transplant doesn't affect her health as she stays fit.
Ruth said: "I'm not on much medication and I don't have to watch what I eat too much. I do get more tired. Before I had my transplant I would get home from work and have to go back to bed for an hour before doing anything.
"There's a strong family feeling in the transplant community. And part of it has been I've got a daughter and I've enjoyed running with her and keeping her fit. For me it's about being outside in the fresh air and enjoying the fact that I can do it."
Ruth funds her competition entry fees herself and has been sponsored by Yate Rotary Club.
She will be giving a talk during a dinner at the club on October 17. Any non-members interested in attending can contact David Picton on 07964 689156 or visit www.yaterotaryclub.co.uk for more details.
Picture: Ruth on the podium after the race walking event. Photo by Dave Medcroft.