A MAN from Cirencester is setting off to compete in the World Transplant Games which kick-off this weekend in Spain.

Richard Percival received a kidney transplant from an altruistic donor in March 2015 and as he saw his health improving he was inspired to start swimming.

The 54-year-old software engineer signed up to compete in the UK version of the games in 2016 and after putting in an impressive performance he was called up to the Team GB squad for this year’s global games which begin on Saturday in Malaga.

The World Transplant Games take place every two years and are sponsored by the International Olympic Committee.

It is the largest organ donor awareness event in the world with a week of 17 different sporting events.

Richard and the rest of Team GB will join more than 1,000 other transplant athletes representing 60 other countries.

Richard said: “I am proud to be part of the World Transplant Games.

“Having a kidney transplant has been life-changing both for me and my family and I will always be incredibly grateful to my donor. 

“I had never done any competitive swimming before but it was great to feel well enough just to take part and it was fantastic to meet so many other transplant recipients and hear their transplant stories.

“This event seeks to thank and celebrate donors and their families as well as raising awareness of the benefits of transplantation and increasing public awareness of the need for more people to join the Organ Donation Register.”

To help sponsor Richard, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/richardpercivalwtg2017