TWENTY-FIVE years after becoming Britain's first successful heart transplant baby, a North-East woman has won gold on the track at the World Transplant Games.
Kaylee Davidson Olley, from Houghton-le-Spring, made medical history in October 1987 after a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle when she was just five months old.
After two years training at the Gateshead Stadium Kaylee stormed home to take gold in the 4 x 100m track relay at the World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa.
Kaylee also smashed her personal best in both the 100m and 200m track races as well as winning a bronze medal in the ten pin bowling pairs.
The Great Britain and Northern Ireland transplant games team took home a total of 243 medals, 114 gold, 74 silver and 55 bronze.
The UK transplant athletes also won the the best team award.
Lynne Holt, team manager and transplant co-ordinator, said: "The World Transplant Games is a fantastic opportunity for athletes such as Kaylee to share their story and inspire people to sign up to the NHS organ donor register."
Kaylee, who also fulfilled a personal ambition by swimming with sharks, said: It was like a dream come true to win gold for my country."
She said she wanted to thank her donor family "for allowing me to live life to the full" and hoped that her achievements will encourage people to sign up the transplant register.
Kaylee's mother, Carol Olley, GB and NI junior team manager, said: "The junior team were incredible and brought home 27 gold, 11 silver and six bronze medals - each and every one of them a credit to their country."
To join the NHS Organ Donor Register call 0300 1232323, text SAVE to 84118 or visit organdonation.nhs.uk
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