From non-league to transplant list

Martyn Jackson was playing for Ramsbottom United in October 2024 when he developed myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart. Within weeks, he was on the super urgent waiting list for a transplant.

A donor heart saves his life

Jackson received a donor heart in November 2024 at Wythenshawe Hospital in Greater Manchester. Doctors had fitted a mechanical pump to keep him alive while he waited.

England wins the Transplant World Cup

In September 2026, Jackson scored for England in their 5-1 victory over Spain in the Transplant World Cup final in Frankfurt. All players were organ transplant recipients.

A different game, adapted for recovery

Transplant football uses seven-a-side teams playing 20-minute halves with less aggressive contact. Jackson, who played 11-a-side in the ninth tier, became a game-changer for England.

His wife found the opportunity

During recovery, Jackson's wife Lucy discovered the England Transplant FC team on social media and encouraged him to join. Manager Daley Cross was impressed by Jackson's football background.

“She was just trying to do her best for him and trying to find a way to motivate him.”

Heart recipients face stricter limits

Jackson must manage his exercise more carefully than team-mates with kidney transplants. He typically plays 10-minute bursts rather than full matches due to his heart condition.

Waiting times have doubled

Average waits for a heart transplant have risen from seven days to 14 days. Dr Paul Callan at Wythenshawe says about 10% of patients on the urgent list become too ill to receive a transplant.

Donor numbers are falling

The UK recorded a 9% drop in organ donors in 2026 compared to the previous year. There are now 8,700 people waiting for a donor organ, an all-time high.

The power of showing recovery

Manager Daley Cross says the team exists to show transplant recipients that life continues after organ failure. England's World Cup win demonstrates what's possible with a second chance.

“Your life isn't over. There is a chance for you, and you can go and resume and live your life.”

Jackson's gratitude and future

Jackson says he is forever grateful to his donor and their family. He is considering reaching out to them around the two-year anniversary of his surgery in November 2026.

“I'll be forever grateful to my donor and the family for what they've given me.”

A remarkable recovery timeline

Dr Callan describes Jackson's return to competitive football within two years of transplant surgery as remarkable. His story highlights what's possible with successful organ donation.