Cycling is 'mental medicine' after cancer diagnosis, says Transplant Games competitor
Athletes from Northern Ireland are participating in the British Transplant Games in Sheffield to celebrate life after organ and stem cell transplants. Competitor Richie Sheerin highlights how cycling served as essential mental health support following his bone marrow cancer diagnosis.
Why it matters
The event raises awareness for organ donation and showcases the physical and mental recovery possible for transplant recipients.
A man who was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow cancer is among 26 athletes representing Northern Ireland at this year's British Transplant Games in Sheffield.
Team NI includes 20 transplant recipients and six living kidney donors competing across a range of sports.
Richie Sheerin from Londonderry said hearing the news that he had bone marrow cancer in 2018 was "like the lights being turned off".
He underwent multiple stem cell transplants and says cycling became like his "mental medicine" during a difficult time.
Sheerin hopes stories like his and that of Coleraine woman Kay Hack, who is also competing at the games, will encourage more conversations about organ and stem cell donation.
Team NI includes 20 transplant recipients and six living kidney donors competing across a range of sports [Team NI]
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