MEDAL-winning swimmer Denise Baker could be forced to pull out of the next World Transplant Games because of a lack of funding.

The 40-year-old, from Darlington, needs to raise £3,000 to cover the cost of her trip to Japan, in August, to represent Britain in the games.

So far, Denise, who has won a host of medals in previous World and British Transplant Games, has only managed to raise several hundred pounds.

Denise, who works in the Model T pub, in Darlington, said: "I've already been told I am down to represent Britain in the games, but at the moment I am nowhere near the figure I need to raise to take part.

"Sadly, if more donations and sponsors don't come forward, especially from local businesses, I will have to turn down the chance."

Her past record in the games is impressive, winning four silver medals and two bronze medals in the last World Transplant Games, in Budapest, and a gold medal in Australia, in 1997.

Denise, who took up swimming following a kidney transplant in 1987, said: "I need all the help I can get, otherwise all my training and hopes of clinching another gold medal for Britain will be for nothing."

Anyone able to help can contact Denise on (01325) 358943.