A GOLD medal-winning World Transplant Games swimmer is hoping to drum up support with the help of a fundraising big band concert.

Denise Baker, 43, of Darlington, needs to raise £3,000 to pay the costs of her trip to the next games, in Japan, in August.

But so far funding has been difficult to raise, and Denise, who works at the Model T pub, in Darlington, could be forced to pull out of the international event.

Her next fundraising event is a concert by the Darlington Big Band, next month, which she hopes will take her closer to her target.

She said: "I would really like some corporate donations, because time is running out and I have a long way to go to reach my £3,000 target.

"I'm trying to save as much as I can, but I need all the help I can get. If not, I will have to give up the chance to represent Britain in the games."

In 1997, Denise picked up a gold medal at the games in Australia, and has since gone on to win four silver and two bronze medals, at the 1999 games in Budapest. She took up swimming in 1987, in a bid to lose weight after a kidney transplant.

Tickets for the concert, at 7.30pm, on April 4, cost £5 (£3 for pensioners), and are available by calling Denise on (01325) 358943.