Words by Isabel O’Brien
Sanofi has renewed its support for the British Transplant Games, stepping in once more as a sponsor for the 2025 event in Oxford, which runs from 31 July to 3 August.
This year, more than 1,000 transplant recipients and donors will come together to compete across more than 25 events, with Sanofi supporting the swimming competition. But while medals and personal bests matter, the Games have always been about much more than just sport.
Set up by Transplant Sport, the event shines a light on life after transplant, and the ongoing complications many patients face. One of the most serious is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), an immune reaction that can occur after stem cell or bone marrow transplants. Affecting up to 40% of transplant patients, this is when the donor’s cells attack the recipient’s body, impacting almost any organ, and reducing quality of life.
“The British Transplant Games are more than just a celebration of life – they are a platform for advocacy, awareness, and action,” said Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Trustees, Transplant Sport. “With conditions like GvHD, awareness and early recognition can make a huge difference.”
Sanofi hopes its involvement will help raise that awareness, particularly for a condition that is often under-recognised. “By supporting the swimming event, we hope to not only celebrate the extraordinary achievements of transplant recipients but also raise awareness of the ongoing challenges many face, such as graft-versus-host disease,” said Natalia Fernandez, Transplant Franchise Lead, Sanofi UK & Ireland.
This matters because the impact of GvHD goes far beyond physical symptoms. A 2022 study found that 69% of people living with the chronic form of the condition reported a negative effect on their mental health, while more than half said it made it difficult to enjoy life or return to normal activities.
