A Highland man who could not walk up the stairs four years ago is this week competing in the British Transplant Games in Liverpool.
John Docherty, who had a double lung transplant in October 2012, signed himself up for the javelin, discus, shot putt, the 5k (3.1 miles) and, just for fun, the ten-pin bowling.
And, after training for the past few months, he is now taking part in the games, which run until Sunday.
Mr Docherty, who is originally from Kilmarnock but now lives in Inverness, is hoping his efforts will help raise awareness of organ donation.
He said: “The British Transplant Games are very close to the Olympics for me.
“It’s a massive event for children as well as adults and we get to meet people from various different areas and hospitals.
“Living in the Highlands, I don’t get to see many people who have had the same situation as me.
“Before my transplant I was on oxygen 24 hours a day and was in hospital – it was the oxygen that was keeping me alive. I was in a bad way. “The day after my transplant I was able to breathe again and I’ve not looked back since.”
Mr Docherty has a treadmill in his garage on which he does 5k every other day and he uses weights for his throwing arm.
He also practices javelin and discus in the small park near his house.
He said: “I never thought I’d be competing in such prestigious games.”
And he encouraged everyone to sign up to the organ donor register.
