In the winter of 1999 Michael Blyszko's only ambition was to recover from a lifesaving heart transplant.

Now, two-and-a-half years on, the former postal worker from Ilkley is setting his sights on bringing home a gold medal for Britain.

The 46-year-old will represent the UK in three events - shot putt, hammer and the 100 metres - at the European Heart and Lung Games in Austria this June.

Mr Blyszko rediscovered his love of sport while convalescing after his operation, and since taking early retirement he has followed a strict daily training programme.

That commitment has already earned him two golds, won in last summer's British Transplant Games - an achievement he is determined to match on the continental stage.

He said: "It might sound over-confident but to be honest I will be disappointed if I don't bring back at least one gold.

"Obviously I would settle for a silver, but I am at the younger end of my 45 to 54 'veterans' age-group and I've been training every day, so I probably won't get a better chance again.

"It's difficult to explain but I have really made this my goal. After the operation all I was doing was swimming and walking to try to get some kind of fitness and strength back. But then six months before last year's games I found out they were being staged locally, in Leeds.

"That's what really swung it for me, and made me think I should go for it. I started thinking about what events I was really good at in school - and the next thing I knew I was picking up gold medals for hammer and shot-putt!"

Regular users of Ben Rhydding Sports Club have probably spotted father-of-two Mr Blyszko practising religiously on a specially set aside area of the grounds.

Before he can put his training to the real test in Austria, however, he has one more hurdle to overcome - to raise the £650 needed for his trip.

He explained: "There is no funding for the Heart and Lung Games, which is a shame, so I've been sending out letters and forms to firms around Ilkley to see if they'll sponsor me.

"I've also been selling off a lot of personal possessions, I'm afraid, including my guitar, because I just have to do this. But they are only things and, who knows, in two years' time when the next games come around my chance could have gone. So this is my best shot, and I intend to go all out for it."

Mr Blyszko's money-spinning efforts have already received a boost from Addingham-based insurance firm Andrew J L Hird, whose staff are organising a variety of events to help.

Anyone else who wants to support the athlete's European dream with a donation can contact him on (01943) 430294.