Karen's Transplant Sport Adventures

So despite having not bowled for almost a month - thank you tonsillitis - Glen Mills and I had a league catch up game to complete before we resumed next week...

I wasn't 100% better but good enough to at least try 3 games. I wasn't expecting anything grand, honestly I wasn't even expecting to manage 3 games fully and still be able to function after wards...

Game 1 - 132 I'll take that. Best game I've had in over a month!
Game 2 - started with a 4 bagger! (4 X's in row!) O...k this could be a reasonable game if I hold it together ... 207!!

I hit a 200 game. I made a new PB... Oh. My. Days!!

Game 3 (normally goes to pot after a PB game) - 127 ... Still bang on season average in league.

I was feeling tired by the end of our hour, but with practice included I did bowl over 4 games, so this was to be expected...

But let me just say again - I FINALLY HIT A 200+ GAME. I guess I really am a bowler!! Haha

So last of my training/practice sessions last night.

Did another road based walk training (rather than the treadmill). Even at 6pm still blooming hot!! Did shave about a minute off Saturday's attempt, but I'm hoping the adrenaline of actual race mode will help me shave a helluva lot more time off as I just can't get near to my times of a few years ago!!

Last Thursday - bowling practice
Sunday - petanque matches / practice
Last night - race walk

Tonight is "fun" netball... As long as I don't come home with severe damage I think I'm as physically ready as I can be for The British Transplant Games to start from Thursday!!

Been out for a race walk practice at the time of day I'm due to compete on the roads instead of treadmill...

Boy was it hot & hills... So glad the race is on a flat track!!

Not as quick as I thought I would be. Need to do some serious pace adjustments between now and next Saturday!

I know I've been quiet lately... My stomach has been causing no end of problems for me, and when that settles either my migraines attack or my sugars go haywire... So definitely been a tough 8 weeks or so for trying to train/practice/exercise etc

However... The past month I have got at least 1 150+ game each week at bowling league and I have generally been having fairly consistent scores despite managing the pain or fatigue etc.

This weekend has also seen a proper return to petanque - yesterday was the annual Royal Papworth Hospital Petanque training in Brentwood with the fabulous coaching and guidance hosted by the Towers Petanque team and the Eastern Counties Regional Petanque Group. With 9 RPH competitors as well about the same of supporters joining in we had an absolute blast learning lots of new skills!

And because 8 hours or so yesterday wasn't enough, I went along and played my first league match with the team from the Skinner's in Manningtree. Both my matches were losses but it was time on a different type of piste and gave me opportunity to put some of those new skills into practice... And resulted in some promising shots.

I am SO done for the weekend and really could do with a day or two to get over it, but had a great time, caught up with lots of friends and can genuinely say I'm getting excited for the British Transplant Games in Sheffield next month!!

So it is with a heavy heart that I have had to make the decision to not attend the European Transplant & Dialysis Games this year in Arnhem.

I simply cannot afford the ridiculously high registration fees, travel and accommodation so soon after moving.

I would be looking at paying over £1000 for at most 10 games of bowling!

I also refuse to ask you lovely people for help again. I have done that twice over the last few years and I don't want to be *that* person always asking for handouts.

I *may* make the World's next year in Belgium, but this will come down to finances.

Such a shame that an event to include all is limited to those who can afford it!!

It's been a while I know... Just haven't felt in the right headspace to consider myself a "bowler"

League outings have been pretty mediocre and due to illness/injury and holidays the first few months of 2026 have been very spotty with bowling and really poor score-wise.

Today for the first time in absolutely ages we went along to Maldon for some practice time.

I went in purely wanting to work on my stamina as it was clear on Thursday with a G2 score of 169 and G3 score of 87, my fatigue was huge!

Very early into today I decided that while just aiming to throw as much as possible in an hour, I was also needing to get my follow through (bowling arm to continue moving after releasing the ball "like you're brushing your hair") back as that had almost disappeared.

After 4.5 games bowled, I was fatiguing but not so bad and my follow through using both balls felt more natural and frequent, leading to a more consistent release across both balls.

Whilst not amazing scores today I feel happier again, and will hopefully lead me to getting back to where I want to be by the summer!

A little interview spreading how beneficial Bowling has been to me post transplant...

Share Your Story – Karen Mills – From Transplant to Tenpin Triumph

Karen Mills was born with cystic fibrosis and faced incredible challenges throughout her life. After a double lung transplant gave her a new lease of life, Karen discovered tenpin bowling—a sport that not only brought her joy but also opened doors to international competition.

Her story is one of resilience, determination, and friendship, inspiring transplant recipients and sports enthusiasts alike.

Learn more here
https://btba.org.uk/2026/01/09/share-your-story-karen-mills-from-transplant-to-tenpin-triumph/