A YOUNG athlete who underwent a life-saving kidney transplant is warming up for the challenge of a lifetime — as she prepares to take on the world in Argentina.

Talented Ayesha Brookes, who won four gold medals and a silver medal at the most recent British Transplant Games in Bolton, has been selected to represent Britain in the 20th World Transplant Games in Mar del Plata next August.

She will compete in the category against 1,800 competitors from 49 countries across the globe and is aiming to raise £4,000 towards travel and participation costs.

Ayesha, aged 16, of Heaton, was born nine weeks early and only weighed 2lbs at birth.

She was critically ill and diagnosed with impaired kidney function, which led to her suffering kidney failure aged six.

At the age of eight, Ayesha had the vital kidney transplant which changed her life.

Since then, she has taken part in every Transplant Games for the last eight years.

She helped light the flame to signal the start of this year’s Transplant Games in Bolton and won medals for table tennis, swimming, cycling and running.

In South America, she will take part in the table tennis, swimming and 100m running events.

Ayesha, who is studying for her A Levels at Runshaw College, said she was delighted to be taking part in the games.

She said: “I’m really excited for it. It’s always been a goal of mine to get to the World Transplant Games and hopefully I will be able to achieve it.

“It’s an honour to be representing the UK. I think this shows that anyone can achieve what they want if they set their mind to it.

“Not only am I doing this for myself, I am doing it for my donor family, because without them I would never have got to where I am.”

Ayesha’s mother Denise, aged 53, added: “This is a really great opportunity for Ayesha. She has always done so well at the Transplant Games and her confidence is growing all the time.

“She is stepping up the training for this event and I’m sure she’ll do us proud.”

Mrs Brookes will travel over to Argentina with her daughter to watch her take part.

The 20th World Transplant Games will take place from August 23 to 30.

To donate money towards Ayesha’s challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/Ayesha-Brookes/.