When Jon Wood found out his young son Archie needed a liver transplant, he didn't hesitate to step forward as a living donor. What followed was a remarkable journey of physical transformation, family resilience, and community support.
Jon, from Grantown-on-Spey, joined us at our Craig MacLean Leisure Centre to share his story ahead of his next challenge — competing at the British Transplant Games in Sheffield this August.
Watch Jon tell his story in his own words — view the video.
Archie's diagnosis
Archie was born in 2023 and was soon diagnosed with a serious metabolic condition requiring an early transplant. Faced with the prospect of a lengthy wait for a donor organ, Jon and his family made a life-changing decision.
"To avoid the lengthy wait for a donor organ, we made the decision that I would donate part of my liver," Jon explains.
But donating a liver is a major surgical procedure — and Jon knew he needed to be in the best possible shape to give both himself and Archie the greatest chance of a successful outcome.
Transformation at Craig MacLean Leisure Centre
At the time, Jon weighed around 99 kilos and hadn't set foot in a gym since his school days. He signed up for a six-week personal training programme at our Craig MacLean Leisure Centre, working with personal trainer Innes Bryce.
The results were extraordinary.
"Through dedicated training, dietary changes, and ongoing support from Innes and the Craig MacLean team, I reduced my weight to 77 kilos in just four months. It left me in the best possible condition for surgery. The effort was definitely worth it!"
Surgery and recovery
Jon's preparation paid off in the most important way possible. Archie's recovery after the transplant has been remarkable, and Jon's own recovery was made significantly easier by the fitness he had built beforehand.
"Archie's post-surgery recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. His health continues to improve, and the change in his quality of life has been incredible."
Each time you see Archie smiling, that's the result of so many people's kindness.
Giving back — the British Transplant Games
Recovery hasn't meant standing still for the Wood family. Jon, his wife Anna, and Archie have signed up for the British Transplant Games in Sheffield this August, raising funds for King's College Hospital Trust.
The Games aim to raise awareness of organ donation, support families facing similar challenges, and encourage more people to register as donors.
The family have also set up a fundraising page to help build a therapy suite for Archie at home. Due to complications from his condition, Archie suffered an acute brain injury and now lives with severe cerebral palsy. The therapy space will give him a safe, nurturing environment to progress and grow — personally, physically, and emotionally.
Donate to Jon and Archie's fundraising page here.
A heartfelt thank you
Jon is keen to acknowledge the role our team at Craig MacLean Leisure Centre played in his journey — and the wider community that has supported his family throughout.
"Alongside all the medical teams and our local community, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Craig MacLean Leisure Centre for their support, encouragement, and care. They — and especially Innes — have been instrumental in preparing me for the operation and supporting my wellbeing at such a critical time.
"Each time you see Archie smiling, that's the result of so many people's kindness. Without the help and support of the staff at Craig MacLean Leisure Centre, we might not have got here. We are incredibly grateful."
We are incredibly proud to have played a small part in Jon and Archie's story. If it's inspired you to start your own fitness journey, we'd love to help. With leisure centres across the Highlands offering gyms, fitness classes, personal training, and so much more, there's a High Life Highland centre near you.
