TWO years after having a kidney replaced, a Prestwich student is set to represent Great Britain in the World Transplant Games.
James Colbeck, from Sedgley Park, will travel to Australia in August to compete in six events - the 100m, 200m, 400m, 400 metres relay, the long jump and the javelin events.
It’s a remarkable achievement after the 24-year-old ended up on a dialysis machine after suffering dehydration while on holiday in the Dominican Republic in 2005.
On returning to the UK, the condition became chronic and James was put on a transplant list for a new kidney.
Fortunately, his mother Lynn was found to be a suitable donor and after a long stint in hospital, James’ life was turned round.
James, MA Graphic Design student at The University of Salford, said: "When I was in hospital the seriousness of the situation didn’t really hit home until I was told I would be treated for the rest of my life.
"That morning I heard the news, I felt really down due to the enormity of the situation. So I started to concentrate on how to treat my condition and felt like I was taking back some control by administering the dialysis myself.
"I owe everything to organ donation and it helped me get my life back on track.
"I’m taking part in these games to help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and to raise money for Transplant Sport UK.
"The charity does a lot of amazing work and without them I wouldn’t be competing for Great Britain."
Transplant Sport UK have topped the medal tables every year since the WTG began in 1983.
James is appealing for sponsors to help raise the £3,000 needed to cover the charity’s training and participation costs to make his trip possible. To sponsor James visit: www.justgiving.com/jamescolbeck/
