AN inspiring local woman who has overcome ill health through a successful kidney transplant 14 years ago has returned from competing in this year's World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa.

Wendy Sincock (54) of Spreyton competed as a member of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the games, which were held from July 28 to August 4. She competed in the swimming events and secured two golds, one silver and two bronze medals.

In total, Great Britain and Northern Ireland brought home 243 medals, 114 gold, 74 silver and 55 bronze. The team was also presented with the "Best Team" award.

Lynne Holt, team manager and trustee at Transplant Sport said: "The World Transplant Games is a fantastic opportunity for athletes such as Wendy to share their story and inspire people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

"Not only were these athletes ambassadors for our country, but they also represented the charity, Transplant Sport and helped to raise more awareness here in the UK and globally, of the need for more people to sign on to the register and express their wishes with family and friends."

Wendy told the Courier: "Its such a marvellous way of all transplant patients to join together and take part in the sporting events. The opening ceremony is like a smaller Olympics, with music show and dance and each country being led in by their flag bearer.

"To take part was amazing, exciting and a real challenge and to come back with five medals is a bonus.

"To be well enough to take part and show by regained fitness is a miracle, all due to my donor family, a true gift of life," she said.

More than 135 Transplant Sport athletes, including 15 juniors and many more supporters descended on the Rainbow Nation.

The World Transplant Games, supported by the International Olympic Committee, represents the largest organ donor awareness event in the world, featured a week of 13 sporting events.

Team GB and NI joined more than 1,000 other transplant athletes from 55 countries across the globe.

More than 10,000 people in the UK are currently waiting for a transplant and sadly, every day, three people die waiting.

However, with only 31 per cent of the UK population actually registered as organ donors, more work needs to be done to raise awareness of donation register to share their wishes with loved ones.

To add your name to the NHS Organ Donor Register please telephone 0300 1232323, text SAVE to 84118 or visit the website: http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk">www.organdonation.nhs.uk .