NEARLY two years after a life-saving kidney transplant Spreyton's Wendy Sincock has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Games in Japan next August.
It's a dream come true for the woman who, before her operation, could barely walk 50 yards and was being keep alive by dialysis four times a day.
'It's overwhelming and not really sunk in yet,' said Wendy who came home from the British Transplant Games recently with two gold medals in the 800 metres and shotput and silver and bronze awards in swimming events.
'I had the transplant in October 1998 so it is still fairly early days yet but I am getting fitter and fitter and as long as I can keep well I will be there in Japan in August,' she said.
Before becoming unwell in 1996, Wendy, who is back working part-time as a hairdresser in Chagford, swam regularly, played netball and ran a football team.
Once diagnosed with kidney failure, doctors thought it would be two years before Wendy needed dialysis, but within eight weeks she had to start the treatment because the disease was found to be more rapid than at first thought.
Wendy finally received a transplant a month after her 40th birthday.
She said the operation had given her her life back and she felt rebuilt.
A total of £2,000 has to be raised by the competitor in order to go to Japan and she is receiving a lot of support both from her home village and workplace.
In an article in the Times last month, Wendy praised each and every one of Spreyton's residents for helping and supporting her through her illness.
If anyone wishes to make a donation to help Wendy raise the funds to go to the World Transplant Games they can contact her on 01647 231597.