A WOMAN who underwent a double lung transplant has set her sights on world sporting glory after an impressive four medal haul at the British Transplant Games.

Colchester resident Karen Mills represented the Royal Papworth Hospital team in four individual events, as well as captaining the hospital’s swimming relay team.

Taking part in her second games, Mrs Mills managed to pick up her first gold medal for a personal best jump of 2.84m in the long jump.

Building on her bronze from last year’s 50m backstroke, she picked up a silver medal in the pool after clocking in another personal best time.

She also picked up a bronze in the ten-pin bowling competition with a score of 211, finishing behind only two Team GB players, and a gold for her age group in the 400m race.

READ MORE: Double lung transplant recipient Karen to take part in British Transplant Games

After an even more successful year at the games, the 33-year-old said she will be taking some time off, but plans to return to training soon in preparation for her achieving her ultimate sporting goal.

She said: “I’m having a well deserved rest from any serious exercise or training to give my body a break.

“But I will certainly be taking training more seriously this year with a goal of trying to qualify in something for the World Transplant Games 2020 for a chance to represent Team GB in Alberta, Canada.”

READ MORE: Transplant has given me life...and a bronze medal

Mrs Mills was first diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was five-years-old.

By her 20s, she found the tablets she was taking to manage the condition were not enough.

Cystic fibrosis leaves sufferers’ lungs and digestive system clogged with thick sticky mucus and it became clear a she needed a transplant.

After an agonising wait, on February 23, 2014, a suitable lung donor was found and Karen underwent a double transplant.

This year’s Transplant Games took place at University of Warwick where Mrs Mills’ hard work helped the Royal Papworth Hospital team to an impressive finish in the medal table.

She said: “Royal Papworth as a team won 59 medals in total and claimed the Best Heart and Lung Hospital Trophy for the fourth consecutive year, a feat we are all immensely proud of.

“We want to keep hold of our trophy for as many years as we can.”