A WOMAN who struggled to walk more than 100 metres without stopping nine years ago will represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Winter Games next month.

Sue Swinson, from Bearsden, is part of a team of inspirational athletes heading to Canada for the event, in which more than 100 competitors from 16 countries across the world will take part.

Sue, 67, will be competing in a variety of events, including curling, giant slalom and super G.

She was diagnosed with advanced heart failure in 2008, when she was only 55.

Three years later her condition was so bad she was unable to walk more than 100 metres without stopping.

Rushed into the Golden Jubilee hospital as an emergency patient in 2011, she needed a balloon pump to maintain the beat of her heart to keep her alive. Five weeks after she was admitted to hospital a donor was found.

“My heart transplant transformed my life,” Sue says. “I am very grateful – it has allowed me to do things I didn’t think were possible only a few years ago.

“I’m very excited to compete in the Games and would be delighted to win gold.”

Sue has form – at the last Games, she won a gold medal for curling and three silvers for ski-ing.

Lynne Holt, manager of Team Great Britain, adds: “Many of our transplant athletes have experienced near-death situations and long illnesses. It is very gratifying to see them able to enjoy an active life once again thanks to organ donation.

“They have already climbed a mountain to get through their transplant – now they will have the chance to enjoy all the thrills of being up in the Rockies in Canada.

“I hope this event will encourage others to sign up to the Organ Donor Register and, more importantly, discuss their wishes with their families.”