Newman going for gold in Durban

Newman will join sportsmen and women who have have received life-saving organ transplants from more than 55 countries worldwide in Durban, South Africa.

The Rugby Table Tennis Club member only took up the sport after having a kidney transplant in 1999, but after medalling at previous Games in Canada, Thailand and Australia, she is hopeful of adding to her haul when the competition begins at the end of July.

“I’m hoping to bring something back but it depends on the standard of the other competitors who are taking part,” said Newman.

“You’ve got new players who have had transplants since the last Games and could be club players, while other players might be back on dialysis.

“The standard is quite varied and the Hungarian players are always very hard to play. They take it very seriously and video all their games.”

The Games, which are held every two years, celebrate the hope that is behind every transplant and Newman says that the overall aim is to highlight the importance of organ donation.

“Just taking part in the Games raises awareness. That’s the main part of it.

“The main countries which are in it always get more and more people on the donor list as a result.”

The World Transplant Games start on July 28, with Newman competing in three table tennis events as well as the petanque.