TWO years after undergoing a double transplant an up-and-coming athlete has returned home from a European competition with three medals.

Before her heart and lung operation, Justine Le Monde, of Woodlands Way, Broomfield, could only dream of doing the things that most of us take for granted – like walking to the end of the street.

But now she is celebrating winning three silver medals in track events at the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games, in Vichy, Southern France

Describing her reaction to her success, the 35-year-old said: “Shocking is probably the best word to describe how I felt, I didn't expect to do that well.

“When I was ill I was in a wheelchair so the fact I was even able to run the course and represent Great Britain is a huge achievement.”

Justine took second place in the 100m sprint, the 4x100m relay and the 400m race – a course she had never run before the big day.

This week Justine celebrated her triple medal success with a party, held on the second anniversary of her transplant operation, which also happened to coincide with National Transplant Week.

“I celebrate every year, because I don't know how long I will live.

“Every year is a bonus to me.”

Justine is now training for the British Transplant Games, being held in August, where she will compete against people who have had all different types of transplant.

“If I win those I will qualify for the World Games in Australia, I really want to get there. I want to make my donor proud.”