For many people the thought of taking part in a competitive tennis match or sprinting 100m sounds too much like hard work.

But Deborah Chudy is not only taking part in both sporting events in one weekend - she will be doing so just months after having a lifesaving kidney transplant.

And the British Transplant Games has become a family affair for Mrs Chudy as her husband Bernard - who donated one of his kidneys to save her life - is also competing.

Mrs Chudy, of Teddington Park, had her transplant operation in December 2009 after suffering kidney failure.

The 48-year-old is now preparing to take part in the games this weekend in Bath, where she will join 700 other transplant athletes who have all been given a second chance at life thanks to organ donors.

Her husband, who has already raised £2,000 for the charity Kidney Research UK by running the London Marathon, will compete in the 5km donor’s run.

Mrs Chudy said: “My donor being my husband did help. We’ve got that bond already.”

The amateur athlete got involved in the games following a post operation check-up at St George’s Hospital, Tooting.

Deciding to take part in the tennis, track 100m and relay race, Mrs Chudy’s training has seen her rediscover her love of tennis and she has been busy practising at the National Physical Laboratory tennis club’s courts in Teddington.

She said: ”All you are geared towards at the time is the transplant. You don’t think about the reality of afterwards.

“The first few weeks after are very difficult and the medication makes you feel shaky.

“I started playing tennis again about three months ago and have been gradually getting myself jogging.”

Last year about 3,500 lives were saved or dramatically improved thanks to donors and their families.

But nearly 8,000 people in the UK are still waiting for a transplant and there is a desperate need for organ donors.

The British Transplant Games, organised by Transplant Sport UK aims to raise awareness of the positive impact organ donation has on recipients.

Lynne Holt, of the charity, said: “All these athletes should be an inspiration to people, as they grab their second chance at life with both hands, clearly demonstrating how well they are after recovering from their lifesaving transplant.

“The aim of the games is to inspire people to sign the NHS Donor Register and give the gift of life. It only takes a minute to sign, but can give someone a whole lifetime to enjoy.”

To join the register visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.