Living Life to the Fullest

Mr Lim Seah Hor, 52, had faint hopes of having a kidney transplant when he was diagnosed with kidney failure 20 years ago. None of his family members were a suitable kidney match for him and was placed on the transplant waiting list.

Tough Life Being on dialysis for 10 years was very tough for him as he juggled treatment, work and caring for his young daughter. He said, “Life was very difficult then. I was a taxi driver and although I felt very exhausted because of dialysis, I had to work long hours to pay for my medical fees. I was a single parent, so I had to ask my neighbours to help look after my daughter while I was working or dialysing.”

A Successful Kidney Transplant In 2005, he received news of a successful kidney match. “I am very thankful that I was able to have a kidney transplant. I feel that I was given a second chance at life,” said Seah Hor. He had always enjoyed exercising and playing badminton. He recovered quickly after the transplant and was able to resume these physical activities six months after his operation. Exceeding Expectations at World Transplant Games In 2011, Seah Hor was asked to participate in a trial for the World Transplant Games (WTG) organised by the Singapore Transplant Games. He was surprised when he was selected to represent Singapore in the WTG in Sweden that year. He won the silver medal for badminton doubles. He went on to take part in subsequent WTG in 2013 and 2015 in South Africa and Argentina respectively. He won the bronze medal for badminton doubles in 2013 and surpassed himself and won three medals in 2015 – a gold for badminton doubles and two bronzes for Tejo (an Argentinian sport) in the singles and doubles. Seah Hor considered his victories amazing as he had no formal training in badminton and he had picked up Tejo from watching YouTube videos and getting tips from a coach just before the games commenced. Staying Fit and Healthy He said, “I feel honoured to be able to represent Singapore in the WTG. I also feel very lucky that through the Games, I get a chance to travel to countries which I had never been before.” Participating in the WTG is also Seah Hor’s motivation to keep fit and stay healthy.