IPPLEPEN'S Michael Brewer collected three silver medals at the British Transplant Games earlier this month, writes Dean Stacey.
The 51-year-old qualifies to take part in the games due to having had a kidney transplant 23 years ago, and he was more than satisfied with achieving second spot in badminton, canoeing and the 50m breaststroke, especially as around 900 athletes participated in Coventry between August 2 and 4.
'I'm absolutely delighted,' said Brewer. 'I've always played badminton – I got a bronze in the World Transplant Games in Bangkok two years ago – and it's the second time I've got a medal in canoeing, as I got a gold last year.
'But it's the first time I've ever won anything in swimming!'
Brewer was selected to compete in the World Games, which have been taking place in Australia since Saturday and come to a close this weekend, for a second time but had to pass up the opportunity due to economics and not being able to take the time off work.
Both the British and World Transplant Games are organised by Transplant Sport UK, whose aim is to show the benefits of organ donation, and prove that people can lead a normal and active life after transplantation.
'None of the transplant athletes would be here today without a life-saving transplant operation and their determination and zest for life is a true inspiration,' said Lynne Holt of Transplant Sport UK.
'The Transplant Games gives the athletes a chance to celebrate their second chance and thank the organ donors and their families.
'Surely there is no better proof of the power of the gift of life, which is why the Games must continue, reaching more people every year.'
Around 1,500 visitors flocked to Coventry to give their support to Brewer and his fellow transplant athletes, and to encourage people from across the UK to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.