A WOMAN who survived a life-saving heart transplant as a toddler is now representing her country on the world stage, and inspiring others with her remarkable journey.

Lucy Ryan, who grew up in Salisbury, recently shared her story with members of the Salisbury Rotary Club – a story that spans three decades, from major surgery at the age of three to competing among the world’s best transplant athletes.

Lucy underwent a heart transplant in April 1993 at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Now, 30 years on, she has gone on to represent Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the World Transplant Games – first in Perth, Australia in 2023, and again in Dresden, Germany in 2025.

Her achievements are as impressive as her story. In Australia, she claimed silver in the 3km racewalk, placed sixth in the 100m sprint and competed in the ball throw.

Two years later in Germany, she secured bronze in the racewalk, another bronze in the women’s 100m relay, and again reached the 100m final.

Lucy is now the fastest female heart transplant recipient racewalker in the UK and the third fastest in the world.

The bi-annual games bring together athletes from around 60 countries, all of whom have undergone life-saving transplant, but for Lucy, simply being there meant everything.

She said: “It was quite surreal to think that, thanks to my heart donor and their family, and the wonderful medical care and my family have received, I am not only still alive three decades on but competing for my country.

“There were so many highlights and amazing memories from both Transplant Games and it was a nice bonus to bring back some bling! and it felt pretty amazing to be proudly representing our country.

“Now I am looking forward to hopefully doing it all again in the August 2027 Transplant Games in Leuven, Belgium.”

Her determination has left a lasting impression on those who have heard her story.

Alan Corkill, president of the Rotary club, said: “Lucy is such an inspiration to all of us and we were delighted to play a small part by supporting her.

“She really is the epitome of never giving up despite what life might throw at you.”