Seventeen year old Scott Murray from Tramore is preparing to represent Ireland at the European Transplant Games in Arnhem in the Netherlands next June, marking a remarkable return to elite sport following a life changing illness.

Scott will compete as part of a 25 strong Irish team selected by Transplant Sport Ireland, which brings together transplant recipients, dialysis patients and living donors through sport at national and international level.

From diagnosis to recovery

Scott was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and underwent chemotherapy, which proved unsuccessful. In 2022, he received a bone marrow transplant from a family member, giving him a new chance at recovery and rebuilding his health.

His journey since then has been defined by determination, balancing recovery with school and a return to sport. Despite the challenges of treatment and time away from education, he has pushed on both academically and physically.

One of Scott’s proudest achievements is returning to a higher level of fitness than before his illness.

He says getting back to that level has been a major personal milestone, alongside keeping up with school after missing significant time during treatment.

Scott says representing Ireland now carries a deeper meaning, as he prepares to wear the national colours on the European stage in Arnhem.

Beyond competition, Scott says he wants to use his story to encourage others facing serious illness.

He says it is important for people going through similar treatment to know that recovery is possible, and that life after transplant can still include sport, education and ambition.

His advice to others recovering from transplant is simple, focused on resilience and perseverance, saying it is possible to come back even stronger with dedication.

Scott is the only athlete from Waterford on this year’s Irish team, making his selection particularly significant for his local community.

He is one of the youngest members of the squad and represents what Transplant Sport Ireland describes as the next generation of transplant athletes, highlighting the long term impact of donation and recovery.

The Games bring together athletes from across Europe who have received transplants or are living donors, showcasing the role of sport in recovery and rehabilitation.

For Scott and his teammates, the event is about more than medals. It is about celebrating life, recognising donors and showing what can be achieved after serious illness through Transplant Sport Ireland.

Scott’s journey from diagnosis to international competition now stands as a powerful example of resilience, with Tramore and Waterford set to be represented on the European stage in Arnhem next summer.