A CYCLIST who had to undergo a heart transplant has become an international gold-medal athlete.

Steve Donaldson of Southannan House in Fairlie won gold in the biathlon event at the European Transplant Games in Italy and has even taken up bow and arrow and recorded a silver at the British Transplant Games in Birmingham earlier in the month.

There is no stopping the inspirational 56-year-old, who was at his lowest ebb in 2010 and could barely walk a few metres without losing his breath.

He was given a new heart but still has to take a lot of anti-rejection medication.

Steve, who is a member of the Fullarton Wheelers in Irvine, said: "It was 1980 when I first suffered the heart defect.

"I caught a virus through dental work - something that could have happened to anyone.

"It went into my right ventricle and affected me ever since.

"I had to stop my racing cycling.

"I'd rode for Scotland and thought I could perhaps get to the Commonwealth Games.

"I had to re-focus on my career at IBM as a software test engineer.

"I managed it through medication, and a great support from my late wife Linda who passed away three years ago to cancer, and my family, and great support from the NHS.

"I could barely walk six feet.

"There was no quality of life.

"It was all about survival and staying alive until the transplant occurred."

Now Steve has become a globetrotting competitior as he enjoys a whole new lease of life.

He said: "I've done over 4,000 miles in this year on the bike - I have been to Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy and I am travelling around Europe seeing some of the most spectacular sights.

"I am now doing things I could only dream of doing.

"I am just glad to have been given the chance to be able to do what I am doing.

"It is coming up eight years in November and I don't take anything for granted.

"I wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for the NHS."

Steve has to go to great lengths to avoid even catching a cold, as he could end up with pneumonia.

But it doesn't deter him from going for gold.

He went to the world transplant championships in Malaga and finished third in the road cycling and the time trials at the British Transplant Games at Strathclyde Park last year.

He said: "This year, I have been to Italy for the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games where I got gold in the biathlon, which was just amazing.

"I also won gold for the 20k road race.

"It is very competitive during the races, but it is like one big family before and after.

"A week later I met some of the guys for a three day tour in Austria."

Steve has also found time to pick new discipline in archery and achieved silver in the British Transplant Games.

He has paid credit to Largs Archery Club, who are based at Inverclyde Sports Centre, for their expert coaching.

He said: "The club were exceedingly helpful.

"I have been given this great chance - I have to take it as tomorrow might never happen."

Steve's story has gone far afield, even as far as Sir Chris Hoy who he has met before.

Steve said: "I told him my story and he was impressed.

"I am living the dream but it has been a difficult journey.

"Life is good - it could be better, but it is all about making the most of it and managing my life."