A boy who was forced to have a liver transplant before his first birthday in 2006 has won a bronze medal at a special sporting event.

Kian Shah-Ackroyd, seven, of Blythwood Road, Pinner, took home the medal after finishing third in the 50m sprint and was presented with a trophy for best overall competitor at the British Transplant Games in Kent this weekend.

The youngster was born with liver failure and was forced to have the lifesaving transplant at 11 months old, but is now competing to raise awareness and encourage people to sign up for organ donation.

The championships, in Medway, included more than 500 athletes aged between two and 82 competing in 14 sports, ranging from archery and tennis to swimming and track and field.

His parents, former banker Nishma, and David, an IT consultant, said that they wanted to spread the message about organ donation.

Nishma, who first noticed something was wrong with Kian at just five weeks old, said: “I am so proud. I still remember when the doctors told us that Kian would not survive past his 1st birthday unless he had a liver transplant.

“Kian is a happy little boy and I am so proud of everything he does. Seeing him being awarded the cup made me cry with joy. My little boy is my inspiration.

“Life is a gift and we need to remember that.”