A NINE-year-old Worcestershire schoolboy is getting ready to take part in a version of the Olympics for transplant patients a year after receiving a new kidney.

Andrew Evans-Fisher, a Year 4 pupil at King's Hawford School, near Worcester, will be running the 50-metre sprint at the British Transplant Games in July.

Andrew was born with a kidney problem which means he has spent most of his young life in and out of hospital. Last May, a donor kidney became available and Andrew had the transplant operation at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

His grandfather Jack Yarwood said: "Andrew is a real little fighter. He recovered very well from the operation and is now fighting fit.

"We are all so proud of him for taking part in the Transplant Games and are hoping he does really well."

The games take place in Edinburgh from Thursday, July 26, to Sunday, July 29.

Andrew, who lives at Upper Sapey, near Tenbury, said he had been doing lots of training for the event and was looking forward to it.

"I really enjoy running so I am looking forward to it," he said. "I am feeling a lot better now but I still have to go to the hospital, although it's less and less now."

Mr Yarwood said the whole family, including Andrew's five-year-old brother Nicholas, were hoping to go to the games to support Andrew.

Grandmother Doreen Yarwood said: "It is such a big event for Andrew and we want to be there to give him our support. Andrew is a very active little boy and has coped amazingly with all that he has been through. He is a true inspiration."

Andrew recently organised a disco at King's Hawford School which raised almost £600 for the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Andrew said; "I wanted to say a big thank you to the hospital for all of the help they have given me."

Headteacher Jim Turner added: "We are all very proud of Andrew and will be sending him lots of good luck wishes for the games."