NHS Golden Jubilee heart transplant patient brings Four Nations Football Championship to Dingwall
Scotland will be hosting and participating in the Four Nations Transplant Football Championship, thanks to the efforts of NHS Golden Jubilee patient Duncan MacAuley, who founded the team following his life-saving operation.
The Four Nations Transplant Football Championship will take place at Ross County’s Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2026, bringing together transplant football teams from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales for 2 days of competitive fixtures.
The event provides transplant athletes with important match experience as they prepare for the Transplant Football World Cup later this year.
This year's Four Nations championship is being delivered with the support of Ross County Football Club, which is providing access to the stadium, including the main pitch, hospitality areas, stewarding and catering.
Their involvement follows earlier engagement during an organ donation awareness campaign delivered by NHS Highland.
Duncan MacAulay, 58, from Inverness, founded the Scottish Transplant Football Team after receiving a new heart at NHS Golden Jubilee in 2023.
He now receives lifelong specialist care at Scotland’s only heart transplant centre in Clydebank.
The 58-year-old said: “As a transplant recipient, creating the Four Nations Football Championship in my local area, the first time any international Transplant Football Tournament has ever been held in Scotland, is a powerful reminder of what life after transplant can offer.
“For the participants this a much about second chances as football, if will be very special to see the England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales Transplant Teams take to the pitch alongside others who have been through similar journeys shows the impact organ donation has on our health, confidence and wellbeing.
“We are grateful to Ross County for supporting the event and helping us highlight the difference organ donation makes.”
Ross County’s support has helped the championship grow in scale and visibility.
Duncan Chisholm, Head of Commercial for the club said: “It’s fantastic to be able to host an international event here in the Highlands and make use of the excellent facilities at Ross County Football Club.
"We hope this is something we can continue to develop in the future, with the potential to bring similar events to other communities across the north of Scotland that are connected to the club.
"Raising awareness of the tournament’s important cause and message is the key reason why Ross County is proud to be involved."
The championship plays a central role in preparing teams for the Transplant Football World Cup, which takes place in Frankfurt, Germany, from 6–13 September 2026.
Around 15 nations are expected to take part, including Spain, Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland and the current champions, Chile.
Lynne Ayton, NHS Golden Jubilee’s Executive Director of Operations, said: “Events like the Four Nations Championship demonstrate the positive outcomes that are possible following organ transplantation.
“Taking part in sport supports physical recovery, confidence, social connection and long‑term health, all of which are important for people living with a transplant.
“This championship also raises awareness of the ongoing importance of organ donation and the lasting difference it makes to patients and their families.”
News Archive
Please browse through our Academy, CfSD and Hotel Press releases.
