BBC TV cameras descended on the College last Thursday to film one of our twelve year old Junior School pupils competing in a swimming gala. Matthew Barton has attracted national attention because aged only five months, he received a heart transplant. A keen athlete, he has won a host of medals at the annual Transplant Games. Despite needing to take special drugs, known as immuno-suppressants, which affect his ability to do physical activity, Matthew is a determined young sportsman achieving high levels, particularly in badminton and swimming. Matthew will star next month in Lifeline, BBC Television’s monthly charity news and appeals programme presented by Nick Clark.

Mrs Barton said: “Matthew’s really pleased and likes the idea of it all. It’s a 10 minute segment on transplants. We’re delighted he’s been chosen to do it. It’s raising donor awareness, which is fantastic, and shows how successful these operations can be. I think it may also encourage people faced with the prospect of their children, or adults, dying to think about organ donations. It can help so many.”

The BBC has filmed Matthew for Lifeline, which is the BBC's monthly charity appeal programme. They filmed him for an item on organ donation, they hope will promote awareness and encourage people to think about joining the organ donor register; they chose to film with Matthew because he is a heart transplant recipient. The programme is due to transmit on Sunday 19th June on BBC One in the afternoon. The NHS Organ Donor Registration number is 0845 60 60 400, and you can get lots more information on this from UK Transplant's website: http://www.uktransplant.org.uk.