The competitors from the Peterborough area claimed a total of nine medals at the British Transplant Games, winning in the pool and in the athletics stadium.

Peterborough Athletic Club member John Sheehan (55) from Wadenhoe, near Oundle, and Kelley Mayes (38), from Oundle, were battling against more than 600 other competitors from all parts of the country.

Mr Sheehan picked up a silver in the shot putt, and bronze in the 100-metre sprint and long jump.

Mr Mayes claimed gold in the 50-metre freestyle, silver in the 50-metre backstroke and bronze in the 50-metre butterfly in the swimming pool, while also picking up gold in the javelin and silver in the shot putt and discus in his age categories.

Afterwards, the two said taking part in the games had been inspirational.

Four years ago, Mr Sheehan could never have believed he would be a winner at the games after suffering a near fatal heart attack.

Although heart surgeons tried a triple bypass, it was not enough to repair a hole in the heart and the only answer was a heart transplant.

He said the chance to compete in the games had provided him with the perfect chance to repay staff at the hospital where his life was saved.

Since the operation, he has continued to work for Fairline Boats, in Oundle, and is now approaching his 40th year with the firm.

He said: "The transplant was exactly four years ago and I competed after my consultant suggested it as a great way of fund-raising for Papworth Hospital.

"Thanks to friends and work colleagues, I managed to raise £6,124.

"I joined Peterborough Athletic Club to start training, as before then I had measured 100-metres on the road and was training there.

"I was also lucky enough to get a one-on-one training session in the shot putt with former Commonwealth Games champion Geoff Capes, which I'm sure helped.

"But I never expected to win a medal, let alone three."

Mr Mayes, who had his heart transplant 12 years ago after suffering from a virus as a 20-year-old, said competing in the event was an inspirational experience.

He said: "It was an incredible atmosphere throughout the weekend, but the most inspiring thing was seeing the children's races.

"There are children taking part and winning medals as young as three years old, who have already had heart or kidney transplants.

"It is incredible, and shows that even if you have had a transplant, you can live a normal life.

"Having a transplant is a real life changing experience.

"When you are told you need one it is devastating, but getting through the other side puts a new perspective on things and I have never looked back.

"I am indebted to the donor family.

"It is an incredible decision for them to make, and I owe my life to them."