FOR Liam Waterworth leaving hospital after lifesaving major heart transplant two years ago was the start of a new life.

And now he has something extra to celebrate after winning the gold medal for snooker at this year's British Transplant Games.

Liam, now 26, had been in and out of hospital all of his life and had undergone countless procedures ahead of his surgery at the Freeman Transplant Unit, in Newcastle, where he was hospitalised for four and a half months during 2013 after complications with his kidneys extended his stay.

"Snooker was the only game I could do before the transplant," says Liam, who plays twice a week with the Sidac club in Sutton after previously playing at Penlake since he was 14.

"When I came out after the transplant it was like a new life and I don't have to be out of breath. It's amazing and when I left they said go and live your life," added Liam, who has moved into his new home and lives alone with his dog, Hassan who he named after his surgeon.

"I went for the first time last year and got knocked out in the first round and this year it was in Gateshead near where I'd had the transplant.

"I managed to win six knockout 20 minute matches and managed to win the gold," said Liam who beat Martin O’Halloran 53-45 in the final, and had two wins on the black on his way to the final.

"I really couldn't believe that I had won it and it was absolutely brilliant and really emotional."

Liam also competed in the fishing and lawn bowls events as well as the Donor Run.

Liam's win has gained him an EASB scholarship and entry into the English Amateur Championships and he will also get free tickets to see some of next May's World Championship at the Crucible.

"I already had tickets for next year's tournament for a two-table day and a semi-final so I'm hoping this will be for the final. I get to meet the players and I would really like to meet Ronnie O'Sullivan, he's my favourite," added Liam, a former Hamblett and Lansbury Bridge pupil who also attended Carmel College for a year and is now looking for part-time work.

"Next year's Games are in Liverpool and I will compete in that too."