A go-getting cyclist who had a kidney transplant six years ago has been proving her fitness at the World Transplant Games in Ontario, Canada by bagging herself four medals.

Zoe Dixon, 36, from Preston, came second in the cycling 5k time trial and the 1500m track and bronze in the 20km cycling road race and the 3k mini-marathon.

She was one of more than 1,600 athletes from 50 different countries taking part in the event. She also won two gold medals at the British Transplant Games in 2003.

Zoe said: "It was an incredible nine days of competition and camaraderie while demonstrating the healthy and active lifestyle that can be achieved after transplantation.

"I think of the family who were brave enough to make the decision to donate a loved one's organ to keep me going. It feels so good to have the energy to do what you want to."

Zoe's kidney's failed in January 1992 and she had to have dialysis at Royal Preston Hospital every day until she had a transplant in May 1999.

She had never taken part in competitive cycling or running before her transplant but decided to give it a go when she heard about the achievements of other people who had had a transplant too.

She said she started swimming after her transplant to get fit and makes the most of her health. Husband Phil has also helped Zoe with her training.

"The freedom of not being tied to dialysis and treatment is great," said Zoe, an IT commercial manager at the Department for Work and Pensions in Blackpool.

"Winning the medals gives me a real sense of achievement and gratitude of the second chance to live life to the full."