At 19, CSSC member Emma Barnes had a lifesaving liver transplant after being diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer. Having always been a very active person, Emma was keen to get back into sport as soon as possible, following her operation.
Emma, who works in the Ministry of Defence, received funding from our Elite Sponsorship Fund to help towards the traveling expenses of going to the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia.
“I used to play tennis, so I tried out badminton and really enjoyed it so started playing more regularly and more competitively.”
Now, ten years on from her successful transplant, Emma has competed at the British and World Transplant Games, representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, winning not one, but two gold medals in the individual and pair events.
What is the World Transplant Games
The World Transplant Games is the largest sporting event for organ transplant recipients in the world and is held every 2 years. The GB team had 123 transplant athletes, including nine juniors, 11 donor and live donors and 100+ supporters and joined over 1,000 other athletes from 50 countries across the globe.
The Games have two objectives. To promote organ donation and the need for communities to commit to saving others. And to encourage transplant recipients to lead active and healthy lives.
I want to do my donor proud
“My main driver willing me to succeed and train so hard is knowing that I want to do my donor proud, I want to do the best I can for them.
Badminton is such a fast game where you have to always be on your toes and are constantly moving around the court, so it’s definitely kept my fitness up. I always feel so much better mentally when I’m active as well. If I have a bad day I feel much better after I’ve had a badminton session or have gone for a run.
I’ve never considered myself a role model, but if it means that I can encourage more females and younger people to get into sport then that is amazing. I just want to reassure people who are on the transplant waiting list or who are transplant recipients that they can still live a happy, active lifestyle.”
What advice would you give to anyone looking to try badminton?
“Just do it! It’s so much fun and it’s a really good one to play with friends. You can always just hire a court for an hour and see how you can get on and if you like it join a club.”
What has been the hardest part of competing at such a high level?
“Managing to get enough time to train and practice between work and avoiding injury is difficult when you’re training often. There’s such a high amount of pressure (from myself mainly) to do well so when I can’t practice for any reason I do get stressed. I make sure I get courts booked in throughout the week after work and play in the weekends. Some of my friends play badminton as well so that’s great to use that as a social aspect too we can play together.”
Does representing your country you overcome adversity or improve resilience?
“I do think it helps - it puts things into perspective. When you’re on the court you just tend to focus on what’s in front of you and the crowds become background noise. Although, when you hear your team cheering you on or you catch the Union flag out the corner of your eye it’s the best feeling in the world and just motivates you even more.
I enjoy playing as a team as you can help each other out and you know you’ve got each other’s back. Playing solo is a lot more intense but at least you’re not letting anyone down if you miss a shot!”
What kind of support do you get?
“My team at work are very understanding and supportive. I was given special paid leave to compete in Australia, so that helped a lot as it meant I didn't have to take it out of my annual leave! Also, having flexible working hours means I can start/ finish work at a time that suits me, which is really helpful with training, especially on dark evenings. Also, CSSC’s support and funding has help me get to Australia so I was able to compete.”
When you’re not playing or competing in Badminton, how do you relax?
“When I’m not competing or training, I love to go for long walks in the countryside or on the beach with my dog.”
Give badminton a go
Whether you haven’t played for some time or you’ve never played before, Badminton is an incredibly warm and welcoming sport, available to all players of any skill or ability. Playing indoors also means it’s a year-round sport whatever the weather.
Check out our Badminton offers and events by typing ‘Badminton’ into our search bar.
If you’re looking for funding to help you pursue your dreams, take a look at our financial support schemes.