by Ian Austen

ian.austen@essnmedia.co.uk

Months of dedicated fundraising to ensure a teenager fulfilled his dream to compete in the World Transplant Games has paid off in a big way.

Oliver Crawley, 13, who lives off Higher Drive, Purley, has just returned from the games in Queensland, Australia, with a gold medal in table tennis and a silver in badminton.

The Riddlesdown Collegiate pupil underwent a kidney transplant operation in 2004 but since then has built himself up to become an accomplished sportsman.

He competed in the British Transplant Games last year, winning a gold medal in table tennis, a feat which led to his selection for Great Britain in last month's world games.

Before he could go, he faced the financial mountain of having to raise £7,500 to pay for flights, accommodation and equipment.

Starting in October last year, friends and family joined Oliver on his fund raising mission which ended in May when the total was reached after a sponsored walk.

Oliver's mum, Kathryn, said this week: "It has been totally worth all the effort.

"He was under a lot of pressure because all the countries were very competitive.

"Considering he had a bit of a knee injury he did extremely well."

Kathryn added: "When I think of everything he has been through and what he is still going through I am extremely proud of him.

"I would have been proud of him if he hadn't won any medals but this really is the icing on the cake."