AN inspiring woman from Spreyton who has overcome ill health through a successful organ transplant will be competing in this year's World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa.

Wendy Sincock will be taking part in the games later this month, 14 years after having a lifesaving kidney transplant. The 54 year old will compete as a member of Team GB&NI at the games from Juy 28 to August 4, competing in five singles events and possibly relay races too.

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

'Not only are these athletes ambassadors for our country, but they are also representing the charity Transplant Sport, and hope to raise more awareness here in the UK and globally of the need for more people to sign on to the Organ Donor Register and express their wishes with family and friends.'

Wendy said: 'While I was on dialysis I was so poorly, and did not have much energy, none on some days. After I received my kidney transplant in 1998, I decided to join the Exeter kidney transplant games team. My reasons were many. I wanted to get fit once again, and also to promote organ donation, to share with many the benefits of transplants.

'Now I participate in the British and World Transplant Games, I am so proud to be representing my country and our Exeter and district transplant unit.'

The World Transplant Games, supported by the International Olympic Committee, represents the largest donor awareness event in the world, featuring a week of 13 different sporting disciplines. Team GB and NI will join over 1,000 over athletes from 50 countries across the globe.

More than 10,000 people in the UK are currently waiting for a transplant. Three people die each day waiting for one. With only 29% of the UK population registered as organ donors, more work needs to be done to raise awareness of organ donation.

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