England transplant team lift the Four Nations trophy

Led by manager Daley Cross, a renal and transplant youth worker at the Churchill Hospital, the England men’s side claimed the title with a 9-1 win over Scotland in the final.

The tournament, held in Dingwall at the Global Energy Stadium, brought together more than 60 transplant recipients from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with each team showcasing the life-changing impact of organ donation and the resilience of transplant recipients.

Mr Cross said: “While it’s fantastic to bring the trophy home, the most important thing is the message behind the tournament.

“This is about showing what organ donation makes possible. Every player is living proof of the difference it can make.”

Among the England squad were two kidney transplant recipients cared for at Churchill Hospital – defender Robert Collins, 23, who received a kidney from his uncle in 2009, and goalkeeper Adam Martin, 35, who received a transplant from his sister in 2023.

Mr Collins, from Bedfordshire, said: “I’ve always loved playing football. When I was ill, I couldn’t play at all and I really missed it.

“Having a transplant has given me the chance to get back on the pitch and enjoy the game again.

“Being part of this team makes it even more special. There’s a real bond between us, one that extends beyond football – we’ve all been given a second chance.

“Every time we play, it’s a celebration of that. Scoring goals and winning along the way also helps.”

Mr Martin, from Banbury, said: “Representing your country is always an honour, but doing it alongside all the other transplant recipients – and in recognition of our donors – means so much more.

“I’ll always be forever grateful for the support the team offers and also to my sister for giving me a second chance at life.”

England finished the tournament unbeaten, securing dominant group-stage wins against Scotland (10-0), Northern Ireland (8-2), and Wales (7-0) before winning the final.

Mr Cross, who has worked at Oxford University Hospitals for 11 years, said: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved on the pitch, but above all we want to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider organ donation.

“It truly saves and transforms lives.”

The tournament also featured public outreach to encourage sign-ups to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

England’s transplant team will now set their sights on the Transplant Football World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, taking place later this year.

The competition will bring together teams from around the world to promote organ donation and celebrate the achievements of transplant recipients on a global stage.