IT wasn't the Olympics, but the challenge was similar for those taking part in the British Transplant Games, because there was never better proof of the value of organ donation.
That's something 55-year-old John Sheehan can vouch for. Just four years ago, he was at death's door following a heart attack. Surgeons tried a triple bypass, but it took a heart transplant to save him.
The heart that John received from a strange
r who had lost their own life, was certainly beating with pride when he collected a silver in the shot putt and two bronze medals for the 100m sprint and long jump. Once, he wouldn't have believed it was possible.
John, a member of Peterborough Athletic Club, got the idea of taking part in the games from his consultant and, as a result, he raised a whopping £6,124 to help the surgeons at Papworth Hospital, near Huntingdon, carry on their remarkable work.
The games were also an amazing success for Kelley Mayes (38), from Oundle, who picked up no fewer than six medals for swimming events and the javelin, shot putt and discus.
Despite his own success, Mr Mayes said the most inspirational thing was seeing children as young as three, who had already had transplants, taking part. But, at this event, everyone was already a winner in the race for life.
Mongrels who are taking the leadPROOF that a pooch doesn't need to have a long pedigree to be cute was supplied at the city's Scruffts show.
Mongrels had the last bark.
The full article contains 272 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
