By Bruce Archer

In 2005, Epsom’s Lisa Muscutt was given two years to live, but now she is jetting off to South Africa to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the World Transplant Games.

Muscutt, who has had success at national level, winning medals at last year’s British Transplant Games in Kent and the previous year in Belfast, is delighted to have been selected for the international stage.

The 40-year-old will compete in the badminton doubles and mixed doubles, 10-pin bowling and ball throw events, and is excited to test herself on the world stage in South Africa.

She said: “It will be tough going up against competitors from all over the world, but I’ll do my best.

“It’s a real honour to be selected to represent GB and, after success in the nationals, it would be nice to win something for the country.”

Muscutt was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18 months old, and in 2005 was told she would need a double lung transplant and was given just two years to live.

It took those two years before a donor could be found and, after her transplant, she spent six weeks in intensive care due to her critical state.

Six years on, though, she is using her sporting success to inspire others to achieve great things, and the Games is a perfect platform to spread the importance of donation.

She said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to go to South Africa and to meet people from all over the world who have had transplants, and to keep spreading the word on organ donating and of what you can still achieve after having a transplant.”

Muscutt, who works for the Metropolitan Police in Sutton, has been training with the GB Games squad at Warwick University this month. The World Transplant Games take place between July 28 and August 4.

More than 300 people are expected to travel to South Africa with the team, including athletes, supporters and coaches.