By Matt Johnson

matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk

A young transplant patient who has been selected to take part in a worldwide sports competition, is almost half way to raising his sponsorship money.

Oliver Crawley, 13, needs £7,500 of sponsorship to get him to the World Transplant Games in Australia, in August.

He appealed to Advertiser readers to help him raise the cash back in October, and he now has £3,400.

Oliver, who lives off Higher Drive, Purley, was born with badly damaged kidneys and had a transplant in 2004, after his mum donated one of her kidneys..

Following his treatment the plucky youngster went on to compete in the British Transplant Games in Sheffield last year and won a gold medal in table tennis and medals for track and field events.

The Riddlesdown High School pupil found out he had been selected for the British Team at the World Games in September but needs to raise money for travel, accommodation and equipment.

He said: "I was keen on sport before my transplant but I found it quite hard because I got out of breath easily. I liked football but I had to take quite a lot of breaks.

"I find it a lot easier now."

Oliver is hoping to take part in badminton and table tennis at the games and while he is positive about his chances he says he is just happy to be participating.

He said: "Racket sports are something I found out I was pretty good at. I've been doing these sports for two years.

"I think the competition will be pretty fierce. I don't mind how I get on. I hope I do well but it's more about taking part."

His mum Kathryn, 40, who will be escorting Oliver to Australia said: "I'm very proud of him. Even if he comes away without a medal, just participating is a huge achievement because he has been through so much."

Go to www.justgiving.com/olivercrawley to sponsor Oliver.