Transplant team celebrate trophy win and power of organ donation

England’s transplant football team has stormed to victory in the inaugural Four Nations tournament – shining a spotlight on the life‑changing impact of organ donation, with leadership from an Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) staff member.

Daley Cross, a Renal and Transplant Youth Worker at the Churchill Hospital, managed the England men’s side as they secured the title with a 9-1 win over hosts Scotland in the final.

The tournament brought together more than 60 transplant recipients from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, celebrating the transformative power of organ donation and highlighting the ongoing need for organ donors.

Two members of the England squad are kidney transplant recipients cared for at the Churchill Hospital. Defender Robert Collins, 23, received his donation from his uncle in 2009, while goalkeeper Adam Martin, 35, received his donation from his sister in 2023.

Robert, from Bedfordshire, said: "I've always loved playing football. When I was ill, I couldn’t play at all and I really missed it. Having a transplant has given me the chance to get back on the pitch and enjoy the game again.

"Being part of this team makes it even more special. There’s a real bond between us, one that extends beyond football – we’ve all been given a second chance. Every time we play, it’s a celebration of that. Scoring goals and winning along the way also helps!"

Adam, from Banbury, said: "Representing your country is always an honour, but doing it alongside all the other transplant recipients – and in recognition of our donors – means so much more.

"I’ll always be forever grateful for the support the team offers and also to my sister for giving me a second chance at life."

England lifted the trophy at the Global Energy Stadium, the home of Ross County FC in Dingwall, after a dominant run throughout the competition.

They won the tournament unbeaten, recording emphatic victories over Scotland (10–0), Northern Ireland (8–2) and Wales (7–0) in the group stage before defeating Scotland again in the final.

Daley, who has worked at OUH for 11 years, said: "While it’s fantastic to bring the trophy home, the most important thing is the message behind the tournament.

"This is about showing what organ donation makes possible. Every player is living proof of the difference it can make."

He added: "We're proud of what we've achieved on the pitch, but above all we want to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider organ donation. It truly saves and transforms lives."

The event included outreach activity to encourage people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, reinforcing the importance of donation in giving patients a second chance at life.

The England team will next compete in the Transplant Football World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany later this year, where teams from across the globe will come together to celebrate the success of organ donation and the resilience of transplant recipients.