A 16-YEAR-OLD who was given a life-saving liver transplant has won two gold medals for Team GB, writes Joe Roberts.

Luke Alexander received the organ four years ago and has now travelled to the World Transplant Games in Malaga.

The Maiden Erlegh pupil scooped gold medals in the 5k cycling time trial and the shot put.

When I competed at last year's British Transplant Games, in Liverpool, I didn’t know what to expect and was amazed at the fitness levels of all the athletes who competed," he said.

"The commitment made by the other athletes made me more focused than ever to train properly.

"I am so pleased that all the training I did prior to the Games has paid off.

"The time I had at the World Transplant Games was fantastic and it was inspiring to meet other youngsters and adults from across the world also competing and celebrating the gift of life.

"I am forever grateful to my donor and all the donor families for making that incredible lifesaving decision at a traumatic time."

Team GB came top of the table, netting 166 gold medals, more than any other country.

Lynne Holt, GB Team Manager, said: "All the athletes at the World Transplant Games have to be at the peak of physical fitness to compete, clearly illustrating the benefits of organ transplantation.

"Perhaps more importantly, the Games put a global spot light on the need for organ donation."

More than one thousand athletes from 50 countries gathered in Spain to compete in a host of events across different age groups.

The Games demonstrate the benefits of transplantation, encouraging transplant patients to regain fitness, while increasing awareness of the NHS Organ Donation Register, as well as the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register.

Visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323 to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.