A woman who was gifted a kidney from her mother is set to compete at the British Transplant Games in Bolton this week.

Tracy Carroll, from Helston, received a kidney transplant from her mum Angela Carroll three and a half years ago and will be taking part for the first time in six swimming events, to include the team relay event.

She will be representing Derriford Hospital, where the transplant took place.

Tracy decided to take part as a means to raise awareness of organ donation and is very excited about the upcoming event.

She said: “I have been swimming every morning before work to get fit and healthy for this event.

“I don't expect to win any gold medals; I just hope I make my family, friends and team proud.”

The British Transplant Games encourages those who have received a transplant to lead active and healthy lives while showcasing the benefits of transplantation.

The aim is to raise awareness of the need for more people to sign on to the NHS Organ Donor Register. In the UK, 10,000 people are waiting for a life saving transplant, and three die each day waiting.

More than 700 transplant athletes from 55 transplant units across the UK will take part. Aged from two to 82, the athletes will compete in 20 different sports, where competition will be fierce. There are guest competitors from Australia, Canada, Ireland and Italy.

A total of 1,200 supporters are expected to cheer on the athletes at the event - the highest predicted turnout in the games' history.

The event is managed by MLS Contracts UK in partnership with the charity Transplant Sport UK.

Selection for Team Great Britain takes place after these games, and the successful athletes will compete at the World Transplant Games in Argentina next year.

Chair of Transplant Sport, Andy Eddy, himself a liver transplant recipient, said he was “very much looking forward to this wonderful event.”

He added: “These are truly the friendly Games, demonstrating the success of transplantation, the joy of being alive and the opportunity to give thanks to the donor families.

“We encourage everyone to discuss their wishes about organ donation with their families, without which, none of us athletes would be here to compete to the best of our abilities.”