Heart swap op man's medals haul at UK Transplant Games

Aug 11 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

SWAP op miracle man Kez Greenwood clutches his athletics medals –- just a few months after being told he had 48 hours to live.

Kez won both the shot put and discus events at the UK Transplant Games.

He had suffered from cardiomyopathy – a disease of the heart muscle – and he and his family were preparing for the worst.

“I was told I had 48 hours to live and then I won the lottery with my transplant – it’s bigger than a lottery win,” said Kez, 38. of Hall Farm, Sunderland,

“It was difficult to find a match because I’m 6ft 4ins. They had to find someone with my build and blood group.

“I’ve gone from the brink of death to this – it’s unbelievable.”

The games, which were held in Coventry, cover a range of sports from athletics events to golf and darts.

Kez, a taxi driver, was part of a 23-strong team of former patients from Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital to take part.

As well as winning the field events, he smashed the UK Transplant games record in the discus with his girlfriend Jayne Dixon, 27, and parents Ann, 64, and Peter, 65, there to cheer him on.

And Kez was not the only success story, the team returning to the North East with 11 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals.

“I’m overjoyed to have won the medals, it’s fantastic,” he said.

“The whole event was fantastic. It’s very moving when you see the kids taking part – bring a box of tissues with you.

“Everyone’s so proud – for my mam and dad and girlfriend, I’m their hero.”