Tom Woodley takes medals in his stride

He makes his family proud and his school is beaming. But 10-year-old Tom Woodley is just having fun at the Transplant Games — and winning medals.

Tom Woodley, 10, is preparing for his third Transplant Games. Seen here at Narrabeen Sports Academy, Photo: Annika Enderborg.

For North Narrabeen’s Tom Woodley the forthcoming Transplant Games will be his third — and he is only 10.

As a new born baby Tom was the recipient of life-saving liver transplant at the Westmead Children's Hospital.

But this major procedure at such a young age has not hindered this quietly spoken fifth grader and he has gone on to win medals at this unique contest.

“I do athletics, swimming and 10-pin bowling,” he said. “I have won two gold, one silver and four bronze.

“I think the gold was for swimming.”

Tom Woodley, 10, about to compete in his 3rd Transplant Games. He had a liver transplant while only 5 months old. Pictured at Narrabeen Sports Academy.

His mum Karen Woodley said his life was hanging in the balance when she learned her relatively newly born baby required an urgent transplant.

“He was five-months-old when he had the operation,” she said. “We were told he only had months to live.”

Mrs Woodley said watching her son in this sporting arena gave her great joy.

“When I see him compete I am so proud — so thankful he is with us,” she said.

The Transplant Games are on September 24 to October 1. This year they will be held in Western Sydney.

The Elanora Heights Primary student said he did not think much about the operation which saved his life.

Tom Woodley, 10, about to compete in his 3rd Transplant Games. He had a liver transplant while only 5 months old. Pictured at Narrabeen Sports Academy.

“It hasn’t stopped me,” he said. “I have made some good friends (at the Games).

“I think it’s something I will keep doing.”

Tom, who has an elder and a younger sister, said his family was very supportive of his sporting endeavours.

The Games are held every two years. Tom’s first appearance was in Newcastle in 2012 and then in Melbourne in 2014.

CEO of Transplant Australia Chris Thomas said participation was a way of saying “thanks” to the donor families.

“And for donor families, it’s a way to honour their loved one’s gift of life,” he said.

“Our athletes demonstrate living proof that transplantation saves lives.”

Join the Australian Organ Donor Register online by visiting donatelife.gov.au