A west Dorset athlete who received a kidney transplant will pay tribute to the donor who saved her life at a world competition.

Allegra Martin, 65 and from Burton Bradstock, is set to compete in the World Transplant Games, representing Great Britain.

Not only does the competition give athletes a chance to celebrate life and pay tribute to their donors, but it raises vital awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Allegra underwent a kidney transplant 10 years ago after suffering polycystic kidney disease. It meant she had to give up her job of 30 years as cabin crew, leaving her devastated.

But she discovered the Transplant Games and went on to win two gold medals in Sweden in her first year participating. Since then, she's earned seven golds, one silver and one bronze for Team GB in total.

Allegra said: "I've met so many people through this event with stories much worse than mine. But the event is life-enhancing; a silent thanks you your donor. It's very moving to win.

"It also gives us a chance to shout about organ donation, as donors are desperately, desperately needed."

This year's team GB will be the largest ever, with 330 transplant athletes - including 36 juniors, 15 live donors and more than 400 supporters - descending on Newcastle later this month.

About 40 per cent of the team are new members and all the transplant athletes have been selected following their success at last year’s Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Birmingham. They have all survived a heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, liver, small bowel or bone marrow transplant and come from all parts of the UK.

The World Transplant Games take place every two years and is supported by the International Olympic Committee. It represents the largest organ donor awareness event in the world, featuring a week of 17 sporting events.

Team Great Britain will join more than 1,000 other transplant athletes and live donors from 60 countries across the globe.

Lynne Holt, team manager, said: “We are delighted to be demonstrating the benefits of transplantation with 330 in Team GB. We aim to exceed the gold medals won at the World Transplant Games in Malaga in 2017 and to win the trophy for the best team. They certainly deserve the same recognition as the Olympic and Para Olympic Games.

“It is always a little daunting competing, but with the help of those who have been before, together with the coaches, captains, management and medical team, the experience will ultimately be a rewarding one for the athletes."