An inspiring cyclist is competing in the British Transplant Games this week, just two years after having a life-saving operation.

Graham Strugnell, of Marshall Road, Rainham, who had a bone marrow transplant, will be competing in the road race and the time trial races.

It will be the second time the 65-year-old has taken part. He joined the competition when it was held in Medway last year and pedalled his way to two gold medals – just 12 months after his operation.

Mr Strugnell said he is looking forward to defending his two titles in Sheffield on Friday.

He said: "The games last year were a fantastic experience. I loved every minute.

"It was quite emotional seeing all the people there who have overcome the odds to compete, especially the youngsters. It was also touching that so many donor families were there for the opening ceremony too.

"I have been lucky – I was fit before I was ill."

Mr Strugnell, a retired rally car instructor, was a keen cyclist before being diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a disease in which the bone marrow and the blood stem cells are damaged, in 2010.

The dad-of-two, who has been married to Lynne for 30 years, said: "I was prescribed medication at first but when they didn’t work I was placed on the transplant list.

"A donor was found through the Anthony Nolan Trust and I underwent the transplant in August 2011."

The operation was a success but Graham still has to be monitored and goes for weekly blood tests at Medway Maritime Hospital.

The Westfield Health British Transplant Games are organised on behalf of the charity Transplant Sport, not only to give people who have received transplants the chance to compete – but also to raise awareness of the importance of becoming an organ donor.

Graham Moore, chairman of the organising committee, said: "It’s a great opportunity for athletes such as Graham to share their story and inspire people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

"The games showcase the benefits of transplantation and the healthy, active lives many patients can now lead."