A HEART-SWAP teenager from Runcorn whose life once hung in the balance has won a string of medals at a major international event.

Jade Carr, 14, of Higher Runcorn, won a haul of gold and silver medals when she represented Great Britain at the World Transplant Games in Thailand last week.

The competition saw her take on some of the best young athletes in the world - as well as sweltering temperatures - to clinch four gold medals and two silvers.

She won gold in badminton, table tennis, long jump and the 100 metres relay.

She also secured silver in the 100 metres sprint and the ball throw.

Jade had to withstand temperatures of 40ºC and extreme humidity, which resulted in many other competitors collapsing on the track.

She said: 'I'm amazed. I honestly didn't expect to win anything because I knew the competition would be so difficult.

'I was a little bit worried before I went because I didn't know what to expect.

'I'm shocked at my achievements and the whole trip has definitely been worthwhile.

'I'd like to pay tribute to my coaches and sponsors.'

Rob Carr, Jade's dad, said: 'Sometimes words can't describe how proud you are.

'For her to just compete was enough, but she exceeded all expectations by winning these medals.

'It was a phenomenal atmosphere, everyone was up waving their Union flags and it was a hugely professional tournament.'

Jade has already won 25 medals after competing in 11 British Transplant Games, but the trip to Thailand was her first international competition.

She was diagnosed in 1993 with a life threatening heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy.

In 1996 her heart function was down to just 13% and she received a transplant after six months on the waiting list.

This weekend Jade is representing Halton at the Fred Perry Table Tennis Tournament in London.

mark.smith@cheshirenews.co.uk