Sian Emmett, a physiotherapy student at the University of South Wales, is set to join the medical team at the upcoming Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Sheffield, marking a full-circle moment after surviving two life-changing transplants. She will be part of a team of 48 therapists providing physical and emotional support to transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families.
From Patient to Practitioner
Emmett, 38, from Cardiff, knows firsthand the challenges of transplantation. In 2020, while working as a physiotherapy assistant and preparing to start her degree, she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Despite managing Type 1 diabetes for years, blood tests revealed her kidneys were failing. “I went to a follow-up appointment expecting everything to be fine,” she said. “Instead, I was told my kidneys hadn’t recovered and that I was going to need a transplant. It was a complete shock.”
She was added to the transplant waiting list in summer 2021 and began dialysis in January 2022. Just 20 minutes after her first session, she received a call about a donor match. The next day, she underwent a combined kidney and pancreas transplant. While the kidney transplant succeeded, the pancreas failed and was removed. A month later, she received a second pancreas transplant from another donor.
Overcoming Adversity
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Emmett faced isolation as a vulnerable patient. “Normally there are opportunities to meet other transplant recipients, but everything was shut down,” she recalled. She credited psychologists and healthcare professionals for supporting her through that period. Despite complications, she never abandoned her goal of becoming a physiotherapist. “I always viewed it as a side-step rather than a stop sign,” she said.
Today, Emmett reports feeling healthier than ever. She recently completed a 50-kilometre charity walk and enjoys hiking and travel. “I remember a time when simply walking down the street felt exhausting,” she said. “Now I’m able to do things I never imagined would be possible again.” She advocates strongly for physical activity after transplantation, emphasizing its benefits for physical health, confidence, and mental wellbeing.
Community and the Games
Emmett first experienced the British Transplant Games in 2024, representing Wales in mixed football. She also competed internationally at the World Transplant Football Cup. “It’s such a welcoming community,” she said of the transplant community. “Everyone has been through something similar, but every story is different. You learn so much from each other and there’s a real sense of belonging.”
This year, she will serve on a specialist therapies team led by Transplant Sport Therapy Lead Alison Bloxham, providing voluntary physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports psychology, and rehabilitation support. “For me, it feels like everything has come full circle,” Emmett said. “I’m combining my own experience as a transplant recipient with the career I love. To be able to support other transplant recipients as they enjoy sport, challenge themselves and celebrate what transplantation has made possible is incredibly special.”
Celebrating the Gift of Life
The Games, taking place from August 6 to 9, celebrate the life-changing impact of organ donation and the importance of active recovery. Emmett praised donor families as the real heroes: “Without them and their consent to donating their loved one’s organs, none of us would be here. The Games are a celebration of that gift and everything it makes possible.” For more information, visit the Transplant Active website.
