A TEENAGER who survived a heart transplant and cancer has qualified to take part in the World Transplant Games for the second year in a row.

Hannah Swift, 17, from Helmsley won two silver medals and a bronze in the badminton events at the games in Nancy, France, last summer.

Hannah had a heart transplant when she was nine after catching a viral infection that caused her heart to swell, then fail.

Then when she was 14, she contracted cancer of the lymph glands caused by the anti-rejection drugs she was taking for her new heart.

The teenager was given just weeks to live, but underwent six months of chemotherapy and has been clear for two years and eight months.

She competed at the British Transplant Games in Norwich on Monday, representing the hospital where she had her transplant, the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

She won gold medals in the obstacle race and ten-pin bowling and silver medals in badminton and ball throw events, qualifying for next summer's World Championships in the process.

Hannah said: "It was a good day. I'll be in the adult team next summer, so it'll be hard, but good.

"I had a new heart when I was nine and they invite anyone who has had a transplant to go along to the games.

"I've been going for a few years and know a lot of people now, so I go more for the social side."

Hannah is planning to open her own beauty salon in Helmsley in the next few weeks after qualifying as a beauty therapist at York College.