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The Club was founded in 1982 by a small group of heart transplant patients while at the Fifth British Transplant Games in Cardiff since this time the club has grown considerably in numbers and above all in reputation and in 1996 gained Charitable status. 

The Charity's objects are to provide for the relief of persons and their family and carers who have had or are hoping to have an organ transplant through the provision of counseling and recreational and sporting activities, in order to rehabilitate those persons and improve their condition of life. 

Of the sporting activities undertaken during the year the biggest is the British Transplant Games. These games, open to all transplant patients whether they be heart, kidney etc., are held in various locations throughout the UK and are well attended by Club members who regularly win medals in a variety of disciplines. These functions are not only a sporting occasion but offer a first class means of socializing with people in similar situations. 

Every two years the European Heart & Lung Transplant Games are held at different venues in Europe. Whenever possible the Club provides a subsidy to members taking part in these events thus allowing more people to take part.  An average of 50 transplants attend the Harefield annual jog held in and around the hospital grounds on a Sunday in September. It is a fun run/walk with courses of 1 and 3 miles. We would like to see more transplants patients taking part. The run is open to everyone and usually there are 1000 participants led off by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. 

In October every year we hold an annual dinner and A.G.M. This is a well attended event and is a good way to meet transplants old and new and socialize away from the hospital environment where every day problems and ex­periences can be exchanged. There are also local get togethers through transplants celebrating anniversaries, fund raising etc all helping everyone to maintain contact. 

We have strong affiliations with other transplant associations such as the New Hearts in Dallas Texas also clubs in other parts of Europe and through the European Heart and Lung Transplant Association hope to widen our field of contacts. 

The main means of contact with our members is through this Website and Newsletter produced as a bi­monthly publication. The Newsletter contains news and views supplied by members, articles from hospital staff members and a diary of forthcoming events. 

Contact Information

For further information please contact the following committee members

Chairman : . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Chairman

Membership secretary : . . Membership Secretary

News Information: . . . . . . . Secretary

Electronic mail

General Information: info@harefieldhamsters.co.uk
Webmaster: webmaster@harefieldhamsters.co.uk