FORMER Thurrock resident Elizabeth Hosford, a musician who became well-known in the borough community for her performances in the World Transplant Games, has been granted an honour to mark the recent International Women's Day.

Liz, a versatile musician as well as a determined an accomplished sport competitor who has won more than 130 medals across a range of sports, has been entered into the Games' Hall of Fame.

When Liz was 19 she received a donor kidney from her mother – a lifesaving event that also proved life-changing as she took up competitive sport in the transplant games – where she met her partner Russell, himself a heart transplant recipient.

An accomplished orchestra player and music teacher, Liz – who now lives in Sussex - says: "I am very proud and honoured to receive this. Without the donation from my mother this wouldn't have happened. Talk about organ donation with your loved ones."

Among the many sports she has taken part in at the games (and won medals) are kayaking, petanque, badminton and volleyball.

Liz added: "I do enjoy the winning but it is very important just being there. The whole emphasis of the games is promoting sports highlighting the need for organ donation."