A sportsman described as a “true fighter” by his family has been nominated for a Merton Civic Award.

James Jessup, 23, from Morden, was born with dysplastic kidneys – which develop cysts – and was not expected to live past the age of three months, but went on to have a kidney transplant at the age of nine. 

His parents Martin and Jacqui nominated him for the award.

Mrs Jessup said: “Apart from feeling sick and being tired everyday – he had to come to terms with the daily regime of having to take 50 tablets a day. For a child this was rather daunting, but he has not let this get in his way – he always told his parents he was a fighter and his life story certainly proves it.”

For the past year Mr Jessup has been in training at the Wimbledon Rackets and Fitness club with England badminton internationals Sam Phillips and Dave Hutchinson and this year won a gold medal at the British Transplant Games 2012 in Medway.

He has since been asked to represent team GB at the World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa, in 2013, and has been nominated by his family for a sporting achievement.

Mrs Jessup said: “James’ life pre and post transplant certainly hasn’t been plain sailing. He still has health setbacks, but his motto is ‘life is too short to dwell’. He just gets on and takes each day as it comes – always with a smile on his face.

“We are so proud of him and all his efforts. We think he is a true fighter.”

For more information visit our Merton Civic Awards channel