James Kirby, from Eastbourne in East Sussex, has been selected to represent Great Britain at badminton next year.

But a fundraising drive is under way as he needs �2,000 to be able to prepare for and go to the event in Thailand.

His friends at Cavendish School have been helping by writing to retailers requesting donations from them.

James has already amassed 16 medals from four appearances at the British Transplant Games.

Mother's kidney

Of his selection for the world games, he said: "It's just amazing to be picked for it because I'm the youngest player in the team this year."

James was taken to Guy's Hospital in London after suffering kidney failure when he was born.

He then spent many years going in and out of hospital for operations, and was in a wheelchair before undergoing a transplant in 2001.

James' mother Lisa, who donated a kidney to her son, said being able to take part in sports had changed his life.

"He can be like all the other boys and girls, which is deep down what he desperately wants to be," she said.