A Burnham-On-Sea swimmer who received a kidney transplant from her husband less than two years ago is celebrating success after winning a haul of medals at the World Transplant Games.
Crohn’s Disease sufferer Romana Winstone, from Berrow Road, was a swimmer from an early age but was forced to stop due to her kidney disorder.
But when Romana’s husband, Ian, volunteered his kidney to her after hers began shutting down she was able to take up the sport again.
Now, 21 months on from the operation, Romana has won two gold medals, two silvers and a bronze in swimming events at the World Transplant Games in Sweden where she represented Britain.
The success comes despite being told by doctors eight years ago that her ill-health meant she could never become pregnant due to her Chron’s, but she defied the odds and gave birth to daughter Venice.
Prior to the Sweden games she won a gold and four silver medals, as well as a team swimming event, at the British Transplant Games. She also won the Best New Transplantee Trophy, sharing the prize with another athlete.
Romana told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was the most gold medals I have won at once – it’s been quite an incredible few days!”
Pictured: Top, Romana with daughter Venice and, above, with husband Ian
