Karen Mills was born with cystic fibrosis and faced incredible challenges throughout her life. After a double lung transplant gave her a new lease of life, Karen discovered tenpin bowling—a sport that not only brought her joy but also opened doors to international competition.
Her story is one of resilience, determination, and friendship, inspiring transplant recipients and sports enthusiasts alike.
What or who inspired you to take up tenpin bowling?
I started bowling competitively by accident at the Newport British Transplant Games in 2019. I had a spare day and thought, “Let’s give bowling a go, how hard can it be?” I used a house ball and didn’t know much about technique, but I won a bronze medal! That lit a fire in me—I wanted to beat Diana, the clear leader in my age group. Over time, Diana became a great friend, and we even won silver together at the European Games. Sadly, she passed away in 2024, and now I bowl in her memory at every competition.
How has your sport shaped who you are today?
Bowling with my left hand has improved my physical strength, has reversed muscle wastage from cystic fibrosis and improved my grip strength. Mentally, it’s made me stronger—I’ve learned to handle pressure and even enjoy those high-stakes moments – a little dance or sing does wonders to boost my mood and make me bowl happy again.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome that made you stronger?
After dislocating my right shoulder twice, I couldn’t bowl with my dominant arm anymore. So, I switched to my left hand—“how hard can it be?” It was tough, but with lessons and persistence, I now bowl better left-handed than I ever did with my right!
What has been your greatest bowling achievement to date?
While I treasure all my Transplant Sport medals and achievements, two moments stand out:
• Being selected for Team GB at the 2023 World Transplant Games in Australia—years earlier than I ever imagined.
• Winning Doubles Gold at the 2025 World Transplant Games in Germany with my partner Brett. It was an incredible feeling!
Do you have any lucky rituals before competing?
A good hotel breakfast is a must—pancakes, fruit, croissants, and juice! Then I listen to my bowling playlist, full of songs that make me feel good or bring back memories of great games.
Who is your favourite professional bowler past or present?
Verity Crawley for her impact on women’s bowling in the UK, and I love that she always has her signature hair flower in situ for competitions.
Dom Barrett, he’s a school friend of my husband, and I love cheering him on!
Do you have a favourite bowling ball?
I haven’t got much of an arsenal at the moment – but I loved my first left-handed ball. It was an 8lb lemon-and-white “lemon sherbet” ball, it made me happy every time I bowled! Now, I use a 12lb Storm Electrify (Iron Man), which I bought in Australia when my luggage didn’t arrive, but didn’t end up using until I got stronger last year. Depending on my mood he’s either the best or he gets benched for misbehaving!
If you could train anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The Kegel Training Center in Florida or Japan’s largest bowling centre with over 100 lanes—just for the experience!
If you could swap sports for a day, which one would you try?
Swimming – I used to love it, but my shoulder injury means I can’t compete anymore. If I had a new shoulder, I’d dive back in but not give up bowling!!
Do you have any advice for other transplant recipients who may want to take up bowling?
Just go for a game or two and enjoy it – find what works for you and do that… you might not be the most conventional, or “look” like the pros, but if you enjoy it and you do your best there is nothing else to it… I will often be seen having a little sing or dance while I wait to bowl, I don’t care what others think as it helps me to relax and enjoy my bowling!
Closing: Karen’s journey proves that life after transplant can be full of unexpected opportunities and achievements. From a casual game to representing Team GB on the world stage, her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and a positive attitude, anything is possible. Whether you’re a transplant recipient or simply looking for inspiration, Karen’s message is clear: “Just go for it and enjoy the ride!”
2019 – Newport. My first Transplant Games bowling. My first medal!
2022 – Leeds. First BTG as a lefty.
2023 – Perth, Australia. Proudly wearing my GB team shirt.
2025 – Dresden Germany.
Brett and I on the top step! (Can you tell the Hungarians weren’t happy about being beaten!) Also Brett’s Union Jack had Diana’s name on the corner so she was with us!
Find out more about Transplant Games
British Transplant Games | Transplant Active
World Transplant Games Federation