Schoolboy Ryan Siddall, who was given the “gift of life” when he received one of his dad’s kidneys, has vowed to win gold at the British Transplant Games.

The seven-year-old, who underwent surgery less than two years ago, will be competing in three disciplines – and he has told mum Rose, 46, he is going to win a top place on the podium when he races today in memory of his grandma Joan Shooter, who died aged 81 earlier this year.

Rose, of Boldron Holt, Buttershaw, Bradford, said: “We lost my mum in March and, at her funeral, we held a collection to raise money for this year’s British Transplant Games.

“Ryan has fought for his life and is a little treasure. Now he says he wants to get a gold for his grandma.”

Ryan was born with kidney damage and the transplant, carried out on July 21, 2006, at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, was his only chance of survival.

After regaining his fitness, he won a bronze medal in the British Transplant Games in Edinburgh. Today more than 900 competitors who have had transplants and their families will meet in Sheffield.

Ryan will take his place in the 50-metre dash, the obstacle race and the ball throw.

Mrs Siddall said: “It was his first one last year, when it had been just 12 months since his transplant and he got a bronze. The 50-metre dash doesn’t sound too strenuous, but for someone like Ryan, it is a big achievement. He’s really looking forward to it.”

Rose and dad Ian, 43, joined other families as the Jimmyz Kidney Rental Unit (KRU) team, to fundraise to send their children to last year’s event, where they had a medal haul of four gold medals, six silver and one bronze.

Mrs Siddall said the event was not only about winning but also to raise awareness of those who have had transplant surgery.

She said: “A transplant is not a cure. Even now, I talk to people who say ‘is Ryan alright?’ and I have to tell them that he has a better lease of life now but he will need another transplant.”

She said Ryan no longer has to be fed through a tube but has developed asthma as a side effect of the medicine he is taking.

Christine Evans, chairman of Transplant Sport UK said: “We are delighted to be taking the Games to Yorkshire, which looks set to be a fantastic host for this remarkable event.

“With over 900 athletes taking part, we are expecting bigger crowds than ever. To reflect this we will launch the event with a spectacular opening ceremony that celebrates the amazing gift of life, surrounded by donors, families and friends.”