A LAWYER from East Renfrewshire who had a life-saving transplant has spoken out about the positive impact of a charity sporting event.
Jelina Berlow-Rahman took part in the British Transplant Games that were hosted in Coventry during the summer.
The 44-year-old, who is a lawyer based in Glasgow and comes from Newton Mearns, had a kidney transplant in 2009 after waiting four years.
She travelled to the hospital three times a week to receive kidney dialysis.
Now, 14 years on from the surgery that allowed her to get her life back on track, Jelina claimed a gold and silver medal at the Transplant Games.
She said: "The games were simply unbelievable to be part of.
"Being involved was amazing and it was such a boost in confidence to be around people who are all connected with a similar experience.
"I was originally supposed to compete in tennis but injured my arm in the run-up weeks before going.
"I was deflated, angry and upset but I found out I could compete in the shot put. It was great to know I could still be involved in some way
"And to come away with gold was unbelievable and great.
"The positive impact it has on your mental health just competing in these games because the atmosphere is amazing and it is like one big family with everyone there."
It was not only the shot put Jelina was an ace at, with the lawyer picking up the silver medal in darts as she represented the Glasgow Adults Transplant team.
The games which started in 1978 aim to encourage transplant patients to regain fitness and show what can be achieved, whilst also raising awareness of the many people who are on the NHS Oragain Donation Register.
Before her transplant, Jelina said that her mental health was at an all-time low and at one point she was taken off the list for a transplant after becoming too ill.
Over the course of the four years waiting for a new kidney, Jelina recalls her last rights being read to her on a few occasions as doctors believed that she would not recover.
The 44-year-old added: "Waiting on a new kidney was such a tough time as you didn't know when it would come.
"There was one time I got told that they had secured one for me but it got damaged on the way to the hospital, meaning that they couldn't give me it as it was too dangerous.
"I also had my gallbladder removed and started losing lots of weight. At one point I weighed six stone.
"My mental health really took an impact.
"I had to rebuild my life after the transplant and learn how to walk all over again.
"So to be able to take part was amazing.
"Now I really do look after my body more than ever and it was a real privilege to be able to represent Glasgow at these games."
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