Colchester transplant survivor from Papworth Hospital competing

Karen Mills, 34, of Colchester, was born with Cystic Fibrosis.

Just before her 28th birthday, she underwent a double lung transplant.

Prior to her transplant, Karen needed to be on oxygen and medication around the clock, also requiring a feeding tube.

By the time she reached her late 20s, it became clear that her prescribed tabled were not enough the manage her condition.

Cystic fibrosis leaves the suffers' lungs and digestive systems clogged with thick, sticky mucus, it became she needed a transplant, which she underwent, opening new doors and changing her life forever.

Since then, she has started a new career, got married and travelled the world. This year she will represent her country at the World Transplant Games being held in Australia.

Karen’s main sport is ten-pin bowling, but she will also compete in Pentanque, ball throw and javelin.

Training - Karen has been squeezing in as many sessions as possible before departure day. (Image: Newsquest)

In preparation for the event, she bowls in a weekly league at Ten Pin Colchester.

She has been cramming as much lane time in as possible until departure day. She has also received training and coaching for javelin throw.

Karen said: “I have been having coaching for javelin as I previously hadn't even touched one in more than 20 years.

“I now feel relatively happy with throwing one safely and properly. I will also be meeting up with a local member of Petanque England in Little Totham soon, to have a little practice and get some tournament tips. Again, this is a sport I've previously never played.”

Team (L to R): Nick, Karen F, Karen M, Sam, Lucy and Fran, will be representing Great Britain at the World Transplant Games. (Image: Newsquest)

Determined to bring home some silverware, Karen has been training hard, to achieve her dream of winning a medal.

Speaking on her goals, she said: “My goals for the Games would be to bring home some medals, obviously, especially in bowling.

“For javelin and ball throw I'd like to get three legal throws on each and at least put up some fight for a podium.

"For Petanque I want to have fun and if I can put up a good fight in the round robin style singles event, then I will be happy."

For her chosen sport of bowling, Karen will compete in singles, mixed doubles the Baker Team event.

On her main sport, she said: “As the only female bowler for Great Britain, I really want to do my best and show the boys how it's done.

“I've only been bowling with my left hand for about 18 months now, due to having to swap arms through injury to my right shoulder, but my left is already so much better than my right ever was.

“Over the next three weeks before I go, I will be putting in as much training for bowling, javelin and general fitness as I can.

"The journey to Australia is going to be long and tiring, so I need to make sure my body is as strong as possible.”

The World Transplant Games will run from April 15, until April 21.

The event will see more than 1,000 transplant and live donors from 50 countries across the globe compete. The Great Britain team has 123 transplant athletes, including nine juniors, eleven donors and live donors and over 100 supporters.

Speaking about her mindset before she competes, Karen explained she is feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. She hopes her efforts will inspire other transplant survivors.

Karen said: “I’d describe my feelings as excited, but now the worries are kicking. We are getting very close to the departure day, so I am trying to cram in as much training as possible.

Karen with Keith, her Pentanque trainer, in Little Totham. (Image: Newsquest)

“Everyone says no matter how much you prepare you will never feel ready. I’m a bit nervous, but I am really excited to go.

“Being able to compete is something that I’ve never even contemplated. It is something I had never thought about, or considered possible. To be able to represent my country, my transplant centre, my donors, myself and cystic fibrosis sufferers as well is amazing.

“If I can show everyone what has come from me having my lung transplant, ill be happy. These games represent the pinnacle of what organ donation can do.”