CYCLIST Simon Ripley is preparing to compete in the World Transplant Games - just five years after undergoing a heart transplant.

The 29-year-old from Darlington will represent Great Britain when he jets off to South Africa in July to take part in the major international competition.

His selection represents the latest in a long line of athletic achievements for the ambitious father-of-two - who suffered heart failure in 2008.

Mr Ripley took up competitive cycling, archery and javelin following his heart transplant and has picked up ten medals in two years, including double gold at the 2012 British Transplant Games.

“I was told I would probably never work or play sports again but three months after my operation I was playing five-a-side again and back at work," he said.

“After going to the British Transplant Games in 2010, I decided I wanted to compete so I picked cycling and decided to give it a bash.

“Within two years I’d gone from nothing to having 10 medals.”

Mr Ripley has given up his job as a mechanic to pursue his dream of competing in the World Transplant Games and trains for several hours a week.

He also gives time to helping other transplant patients, using his success story to inspire them after surgery.

He said: “My transplant has brought about a lot of positive changes and I want to tell people in my position to think positive as a transplant is not the end, it is a new start and can lead to a new life.

“Some people who have transplants become depressed, they get on with life but do not enjoy it as much as they should.

“They should get out there, enjoy it and not let things hold them back from what they want to do.

“When I had my operation I was told there was a life expectancy of ten years but some people are living for more than 30 years so I try not to think about it and just get on with enjoying my life and making the most of it.

“I am excited about going to the World Games and proud to be wearing a Union Jack, the experience will be something I won’t forget.”