The inspirational Transplant Ashes are coming to New Farnley Cricket Club later this month.
England and Wales Transplant Cricket are gearing up to play Lucky Stars Australia in three games held at community cricket clubs across the UK – including one in West Leeds.
Every player taking to the field has overcome life-threatening illness through the gift of organ, tissue, stem cell or bone marrow donation.
The series promises not only top-level cricket but a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the life-changing impact of organ, tissues, stem cell and bone marrow donation.
Dates and venues
- June 9 – Chipping Campden Cricket Club, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LB (Start time 1pm)
- June 11 – Haxey Cricket Club, Doncaster, DN9 2ND (Start time 12pm)
- June 13 – New Farnley Cricket Club, Leeds, LS12 5ES (Start time 11am)
The England and Wales Transplant Cricket Club is a representative side of cricketers who have received lifesaving and life- changing transplants.
Originally known as Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club, the club was established in 2004 following a challenge set by the Australians at the World Transplant Games, the club was rebranded as England and Wales Transplant Cricket in 2018. 74 players have so far been capped since 2004.
England and Wales Transplant Cricket is open to all transplant recipients, living donors, donor family members, those awaiting transplant and dialysis patients.
A spokesperson said: “Our players have received all forms of transplants including kidney, liver, lung, heart, stem cell, bone marrow, cornea and bowel.
“They are celebrating their ‘second innings’ thanks to the generosity of their donors, be they family, friends or strangers who offered a new chance of life. We aim to provide an opportunity for transplant recipients to play cricket in a team environment creating a strong
community feel for our players and families alike which provides invaluable support on their transplant journeys.
“Together we aim to promote the importance of donation and demonstrate the transformative effect it can have, not just for the recipient but also for those around them. Celebrating their second inning, our players are fortunate to be here today and hope to ensure others in the future can be as fortune by sharing the importance of donation.
“Their return to the sport they love is a celebration of life itself. But transplant cricket is about more than what happens between the wickets—it is a chance to bring people together, raise awareness, and share deeply personal stories that inspire and unite.”
How to Get Involved
- Attend a match: Witness the matches, meet the teams, and experience the emotional and uplifting atmosphere.
- Share the message: Follow and promote the series on social media using #TransplantCricketAshes.
- Register as a donor: www.organdonation.nhs.uk – it only takes two minutes to register your decision. www.dkms.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-donor or https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/join-stem-cell-register. Sign up to receive a swab kit and join the register.
The spokesperson added: “This is more than cricket. It’s community, courage, and a celebration of life. Join us this June and be part of something truly remarkable and celebrate our ‘second innings’.”
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