A parade of athletes, aged from five to 75, will gather in the Leicestershire town on Thursday evening.

The events - being held in Loughborough and Leicester - aim to raise awareness of organ donation and to thank people who donated their organs.

The games also show how those needing a transplant can have a second chance.

Athletes oath

An Olympic-style torch will be carried through the square by Lorraine Seager, a heart transplant athlete, celebrating her 10th transplant anniversary, the same as the Organ Donor Register.

She will pass the torch to Katy Paneswar, a kidney transplant child from Nottingham. It will then be presented to the mayor of Loughborough.

Rachel Reynolds, gold medallist from the World Transplant Games and a kidney recipient from Leicester, will read the Athletes Oath.

Maurice Slapak, founding president of the British and World Transplant Games, will declare the games open. The town square will then host celebrations featuring live music and entertainers.

'Second chance'

Christine Evans, chairperson for the British Transplant Games, said: "All these athletes are truly inspirational people who are only here today through the generosity of donors and their families.

"They have been given a second chance and the games are a demonstration of how they live life to the full and are determined not to waste a single moment."

Participants will take part in events such as high jump, long jump, shot putt, running, badminton and bowls.

The cycling, golf, mini-marathon, fishing and walking events are all taking place in Leicester.