DAYMON Johnstone can hardly remember getting his new kidney but that does not stop him from being grateful to the donor and family.

Daymon, from Seaton, was born with a renal condition that was not picked up until he was about 18 months old.

"I can sort of remember having to have daily dialysis," he said.

When he was no longer able to urinate and his bladder became too full, the need for a kidney transplant became urgent.

He was five-years-old when he got his new kidney, and is now 31.

"Even though I don't remember much, my transplant day forms part of my email address and each year, on the anniversary, we do something - lighting a candle or just remembering the person who gave me my life back."

He has not wasted that life.

Daymon works as a technician at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, doing sound, lighting, backstage, or whatever there is to do.

But he has also become a Transplant Games champion, winning gold and silver in national and European championships in squash and petanque.

He has been selected to represent Great Britain in the International Transplant Games which will be held in Perth, Australia next year.

Times and Star: TeamGB's Petanque captain Daymon JohnstoneTeamGB's Petanque captain Daymon Johnstone (Image: Submitted)

He is also going as captain of the petanque team, another team member is Becky Seaton from Carlisle which means the two will be in constant contact and can practice together.

Daymon said he is especially grateful to Theatre by the Lake who have been great at giving him the time off he needs to compete in these games.

"The games are important for a couple of reasons," he said. "One is that you meet people in a similar position to yourself.

"You start out as friends and then you do become family."

It is not just in living his life to the full that Daymon shows his gratitude to his donor.

"I work with Kidney Care as a peer supporter, helping those who are waiting and those who have just had transplants.

"It was especially tough during lockdown; some had Covid or things were slowed down because of the pandemic."

He has also planted trees in honour of donors.

Although he is representing Great Britain, Daymon, like all transplant athletes, has to fund his own trip to Australia so, like many transplant athletes, he is seeking help with the expense.

To help Daymon go to: https://gofund.me/f5f559e8