YOUNG transplant patients from East Lancashire Lauren Leach and Christine Dempsey went gold at the weekend at the British Transplant Games.

Lauren, 10, of Ighten Road, Burnley, won two gold and three silver and Christine, 17, of Whalley Drive, Rawtenstall, a gold and three silvers.

Lauren won the gold for ball throwing and 25 metre breast stroke, and silvers for 50m sprint, obstacle race and 25m free style swimming.

Christine won gold for ball throwing and silver for 50m free-style swimming, 50m breast stroke and 50m back stroke.

Both girls have had liver transplants at Birmingham Children's Hospital and both represented the hospital in the games held in Birmingham, helping a 20-strong squad win the best children's team award for the fourth year.

Christine had her transplant in 1997 while Lauren had hers in 1990 after she was born with a rare genetic condition which caused sclerosis.

Both youngsters competed last year when they also walked away with a fistful of medals and next year Christine will participate as a member of the adult team.

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