Transplant Sport have announce that David Mushet, from Barrhead, will be representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the World Transplant Games in 2015.

The team will be the largest ever and will travel to Argentina in August this year.

More than 140 transplant athletes, including 14 juniors and many more supporters will descend on South America, the first time the World Transplant Games have been held on this continent.

Half of the team are new members and have been selected following their success at this year’s Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Bolton.

David, who had a liver transplant in January 2013, will be competing in the 5km Race Walk and Triathlon.

He said: “Following my performance in Bolton where I won the Gold Medal in the 5km Race Walk and set a PB in the Cycling TT, I have been chosen to represent Great Britain next summer at the World Transplant Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

“At my age and after all I have been through it will be a dream come true and a great honour to represent my country. Without the generosity of my donor’s family, none of this would have been possible.” The World Transplant Games, supported by the International Olympic Committee, represents the largest organ donor awareness event in the world, featuring a week of 13 sporting events. Team GB and NI will join over 1000 other transplant athletes from 55 countries across the globe. Lynne Holt, team manager and trustee at Transplant Sport said: “We are thrilled to announce our team and welcome the new faces to our squad.

“It is always a little daunting competing at the World Transplant Games for the first time, but with the help of those who have been before, together with the coaches, captains, management and medical team, the experience will ultimately be a rewarding one for the athletes.

“Selection on to our team is just the beginning. It is an enormous commitment of both time and money. The next 10 months will be busy for the athletes, keeping fit, regularly training in their sport, attending regular team training meets, doing publicity and trying to raise the £2k per person to get there. However, the opportunity to represent their country, celebrate life and in doing so, paying tribute to their donors, is the goal.” Each athlete, to keep their place on the team, is required to attend a minimum of 3 out of the 4 training meets. The first team meeting took place in November at Warwick University. The athletes trained with team GB&NI coaches throughout the day, interspersed with a briefing from team managers, medic and one of the team physiotherapists, All of these people are TS volunteers, giving their time freely.

The team are also supported by Travel Stop, Sovereign and Total Team Wear.

Lynne added: “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 discuss their wishes with family and friends.” To register on the NHS Organ Donor Register, please telephone 0300 123 23 23, text SAVE to 84118 or go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk to register online.