A former Lindley man will this month celebrate the 19th anniversary of his kidney transplant.

And he will do so in the cold and snow of the French Alps as he bids to win a medal for Britain in the 2014 Winter World Transplant Games.

Mark Brown, 46, had the successful operation at St James’s Hospital in Leeds and featured in the ITV show Jimmy’s.

Mark aims to bring back a gold medal emulating a previous success as he won a curling medal in the 2012 Transplant Games.

He is also taking part in the downhill ski events, including slalom and giant slalom, as well as a daredevil event called ski shoeing, which is involves plummeting down a 150-metre steep slope at La Chapelle d’Abondance.

News of the terrible skiing accident for motor-racing ace Michael Schumacher has dominated the headlines this week.

But Mark, who now lives in Nottingham, said: “He was off piste and hit a rock.

“We go through all the safety checks and skiers always know the risk.

“I have been trying to get ready for the Games but it is hard at this time of year with all the chocolate and other temptations.

“I’m just hoping I can repeat the success of last year, but without falling flat on my face as I did in the contest.”

La Chapelle dAbondance in the French Alps
La Chapelle dAbondance in the French Alps

The father of two had his successful kidney transplant in 1994 having been diagnosed with Alports Syndrome as a young man growing up in Lindley.

The former Lindley Junior School pupil and Salendine Nook student had treatment for the hereditary disease at St James’ for several years, including dialysis, before undergoing the transplant in April, 1994.

His brother James, who lives in Marsh, also has the condition and he had a transplant nine years ago.

Mark said: “Dialysis was very draining and time-consuming and the difference after the transplant was amazing.

“I was in hospital for two weeks but felt to have much more energy. In fact, not long after the operation, I set off on a year-long, round-the-world adventure and proposed to my then girlfriend, Joanne, who accepted.”

The UK is sending a 13-strong team to the games, joining up with competitors from 19 countries.

The games are organised under the auspices of the World Transplant Games Federation, offering transplanted athletes an opportunity to live life to the full and give thanks to organ donor families on a world stage.

The opening ceremony is on January 11 and the Games get underway the following day the resort of La Chapelle d’Abondance in the French Alps.

Lynne Holt, transplant co-ordinator and team manager for Team UK, said: “Many of our transplant athletes have experienced near death situations and long illness and it is very gratifying to see them able to enjoy a full life, thanks to organ donation.

“Without this ‘gift of life’, many of them would not now be alive.”