A DOUBLE lung transplant patient is planning to take part in a high-profile sporting event.

Despite being told he is suffering from chronic rejection of the new organs, Ken Mackie, 39, of Mayfield Drive, Buckley has high hopes of taking part in the British Transport Games.

Ken, who had his transplant in 2008 after suffering from cystic fibrosis since the age of 21, will be returning to the event after competing in the games last year.

He said: “I hope to compete in the cycling event and ten pin bowling. There are other events, like the shot putt, but I have to wait for the all-clear from the hospital.

“The games are not about winning. It is about taking part. Last year the children taking part who have had transplants made me feel humble.”

Wife Karen and son William, six, will be joining Ken at the event in Bath held between August 19 and 22.

Despite recent setbacks Ken, who is also set to return to work as a part-time chef, remains positive.

He said: “I was doing so well before being told I had chronic rejection. Everything was getting better, but I lost 50 per cent of my lung function in the last year. It has set me back, but you have got to look to the future.

“You can still live a normal life after a transplant. It is important for people to realise that. It is very important to sign up to the transplant donor list, it really does help people. It saves lives.”

After giving up full-time work in 2006, Ken is looking forward to getting back in the kitchen at Y Pentan in Mold. He said: “I can go back for one day a week. It is nice being able to do something because I am very limited in what I can do. They are willing to give me a try. It is important to keep busy.”

For more information on becoming an organ donor go to www.uktransplant.org.uk