Janet Jenkins
CASE STUDY: June 27, 2006
For Janet Jenkins, sport, exercise and keeping fit have always been an integral part of her life, and even a kidney transplant operation hasn’t held her back or slowed her down. As if working full time, studying towards a Fitness Instructor qualification with Lifetime and gaining first hand experience in the company’s gym wasn’t enough, Janet is currently preparing to compete in her fourth British Transplant Games at Bath University in August. Her energy and zest for life are infectious and her story is an inspiration.
Janet underwent her first major operation at the age of 11, and took up swimming to aid the recovery and rehabilitation process. Five years later, she had her first kidney operation and again used sport and exercise as a way to regain her strength and fitness. Janet continued having regular check ups until at the age of 29 her condition had deteriorated to such an extent that she began having dialysis treatment for chronic renal failure. This continued for 12 years until after two unsuccessful attempts, Janet had a successful kidney transplant operation on August 9, 2002.
Janet explains: “All the time I was waiting for a transplant, I was encouraged to participate in the Transplant Games as soon as I had had my operation. By February 2003, six months after my operation, I was back training in the pool and competed in the British Games held at Keele University later that year.”
The first British Transplant Games took place in Portsmouth in 1978. Organised by the Transplant Sports Association of Great Britain, the aim is to raise public awareness of the need and value of organ donation in the UK and throughout the world, as well as demonstrating the benefits of organ donation and proving that a normal and active life is possible after transplantation. During the four day event, over 500 competitors from all age groups participate in a wide variety of sporting, leisure and social activities.
Whilst swimming is Janet’s main sport, the Transplant Games is all about inclusion and having a go. This year, Janet intends to compete in the 800m and shot put events, but her focus will be in the pool and qualifying for next year’s World Transplant Games in Bangkok. If selected, Janet will be hoping to emulate her success at the 2005 World Games, when she won seven medals in her age group.
Prior to her transplant operation, Janet had joined the gym within her company’s sports and social club to help her maintain the fitness she lost due to dialysis. As a regular attendee and having always been involved in sport either as a participant or a coach, it seemed like a logical next step to train as a gym instructor.
Whilst looking for somewhere to take an instructor qualification, Janet read about John Searle, a retired doctor who re-trained with Lifetime to become a Personal Trainer at the age of 63. Janet enrolled with Lifetime herself and is currently working towards the Fitness Instructor with Circuits qualification, which she hopes to complete by August.
Janet says: “It’s really interesting and I’m thoroughly enjoying the course. The distance learning option has been a huge benefit and means that I can fit it around my full time job by studying at lunchtime and in the evenings. I’m lucky enough to be able to shadow the instructor at my gym, which has given me experience and confidence working with clients.”
She adds: “I believe that for every negative there is a positive. Even at the very lowest and darkest points, I have tried to keep busy and active. Organ donation can be a very sensitive subject, but it is so important that people carry donor cards and tell their loved ones about their wishes. Unfortunately, the waiting list for those needing a transplant is growing all the time. The number of cases of diabetes is increasing, mainly due to rising obesity levels, especially amongst children and young adults. People don’t realise that in extreme cases diabetes can lead to kidney failure and even loss of sight or limbs. Eating well, keeping active and looking after yourself is vital regardless of age or ability.”
Janet’s journey has been long and often difficult and emotional. As a kidney patient, she will always be under the wing of the hospital and have regular check ups. The frequency of those visits to the transplant clinic are reducing now and Janet is doing really well. By the end of the summer, she will have qualified as a Fitness Instructor, competed at the British Transplant Games and hopefully been selected for the World Games in 2007. Despite her health problems, Janet does what she has always done and what she does best, remains positive, active and lives life to the full.
Email: janet.jenkins@devonport.co.uk
Tel: (01752) 323318
UK Transplant: www.uktransplant.org.uk
Transplant Sports Association of Great Britain: www.tsagb.org