A Co. Donegal man, who battled cancer in his teens and received a kidney transplant 19 years ago, today (THURSDAY) won a Gold medal at the World Transplant Games. 

Hugo Boyce – from Clonmany – won Gold in the sport of Petanque, just a few hours after Sligo woman Bridie Nicholson became the first Irish person to win a Gold in Petanque.

Hugo defeated opponents from France, Thailand and Taiwan, before edging out his Israeli opponent 11-10 in a thrilling final.

“It was a very tough competition, particularly in the final when my opponent came back to draw at 10-10,” he said.

“It went right down to the wire and I was just delighted to win out in the end. I got great support from the Irish team and supporters.

“It’s very warm here and four games under that sun is gruelling, But it was all worth it with the win.”

Hugo got non-hodgkinsons lymphoma when he was 19 and spent two years in St Luke’s Hospital from 1969 to 1971.

The Transplant Games are a chance for those who have received organs to give thanks for their gift and show what can be achieved through organ donation.

You can follow the team’s progress on www.transplantteamireland.com.

For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050 or log on to www.ika.ie for more information.