A MAN who underwent a life-saving lung transplant just five years ago has taken part in an Olympics-style competition.

Mike Aston, 65, represented Royal Papworth Hospital at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Newport, Wales, at the weekend.

He took part in four events in the 60-69 age group, winning gold in tenpin bowling and bronze in discus. He also competed in the javelin and snooker, and Royal Papworth won the award for Best Heart and Lung Team.

Mike, of Southminster, said: “The games are so important because they encourage transplant recipients to stay active and are a chance for transplant recipients, their families and donor families to all get together.

“But most importantly it raises awareness of the positive impact of organ donation.”

Mike was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 58 and was put on the transplant waiting list.

After three years, he finally received the life-saving operation.

He said: “Pre-transplant I was housebound and being kept alive by ten litres of oxygen per minute. My family had started preparing for the worst, looking into hospice care for me.

“After a few transplant false alarms my life changed in 2014, when I received the call and a lung that was suitable became available. The seven-hour operation went ahead.

“A month after my transplant my life changed dramatically.

“I was able to walk, climb stairs, go to football matches again, look after my garden and travel abroad again with my wife.

“I am making the most of my second chance at life, going on holiday as much as possible and enjoying time with my family, including five grandchildren and my first great-grandchild on its way.

“Without a transplant I would not be here today. I will be forever grateful to my donor for sharing their wishes and their family for making such a hard decision at the most awful of times.”

It was the first time Mike had competed in the games, although he volunteered with his family at the competition in Birmingham last year.