A BOLTON teacher and former rugby player who will be competing in the International Transplant Games is appealing for sponsors.

Dave Clarke needed a kidney transplant after he developed problems following a quadruple heart bypass operation. The 39-year-old IT teacher had been super-fit, but suffered a series of heart attacks three years ago.

Mr Clarke, who teaches at Thornleigh Salesian College, has made a good recovery and won a silver medal for badminton in the British Transplant Games last August.

He has been selected by the British team and will now be competing in the International Transplant Games due to be held in France in August. But he has to raise £1,000 to take part and is appealing for local businesses to sponsor him. Anyone wanting to help out is urged to call Mr Clarke at Thornleigh on 01204 301351.