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From Myocarditis to World Cup Glory
23 Sep
Summary
- Martyn Jackson recovered from a heart transplant to play football.
- He was diagnosed with myocarditis in late 2024.
- Jackson scored for England in the Transplant Football World Cup final.
Martyn Jackson's journey from a critical illness to a World Cup champion is extraordinary. In October 2024, following a football match, he experienced severe illness and was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart.
By November 2024, Jackson was on the urgent transplant list. Fortunately, a donor heart became available, and he underwent successful surgery on November 28, 2024, at Wythenshawe Hospital.
Remarkably, less than two years later, in September 2026, Jackson represented England. He scored a goal in the Transplant Football World Cup final, contributing to his team's dominant 5-1 win against Spain. His teammates and opponents shared his experience as recipients of donor organs.
