A SUCCESSFUL organ transplant athlete from Yate has been supported by the town’s rotary club who have helped fund her trip to represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Games.

Ruth Medcroft, 37, from Yate, suffered from failing kidneys from childhood and took up running to improve her health and undergo a kidney transplant.

She has now been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Games later this year and was given a donation towards the expenses of the trip by the Yate Rotary Club in March in support.

Mrs Medcroft said: “I'm competing in the race walk, badminton doubles and three running events, the 400m, 1500m and 5km at the World Transplant Games in Argentina this August.

“I'm equally excited and terrified about the games as it's the furthest I've ever travelled. I'm training hard, and so far, so good.

“I'm overwhelmed with the support that the Yate Rotary Club has shown me. Both Yate and Chipping Sodbury clubs have been extremely supportive. It's a massive financial commitment to go to the games, there is very little subsidy for transplant athletes. I wouldn't be able to attend without the generosity of my supporters.”

Mrs Medcroft took up running when she was 23 and the approach delayed her needing dialysis by three years until late 2006 and then when a donor organ became available she had a kidney transplant in 2008.

With her new kidney, she competed at the 2009 British Transplant Games in Coventry and is now an established and successful transplant athlete and the current British Ladies Champion for the Race Walk having won gold medals three times.

Mrs Medcroft was invited to a dinner meeting with Yate Rotary Club at the New Inn Westerleigh, where the Rotarians heard her tell her story and presented her with £500 to help with the expenses of the trip to Argentina to fulfil her dream of representing her country.

David Picton, publicity officer for the club, said: “Yate Rotary club are always happy to receive requests for assistance like this. Over the years they have been able to give encouragement and help to individuals and groups that have had the effect of enabling them onto greater things. In this way the individuals benefit and the wider community shares in the rewards of the competition and often greater success.”

The World Transplant Games aim to raise awareness of the issues surrounding organ donation.

For more information on Yate Rotary Club call David on 01454 327851.