A man who has survived four kidney transplants and almost 100 operations is to talk about his experiences on national TV.

Michael Gates and his family will be appearing on the BBC1 daytime show Lifegivers.

Despite his health problems, Mr Gates, 25, dedicated a lot of his time to training as a top swimmer and has represented his country in the World Transplant Games on numerous occasions.

Mr Gates, from Seaford, said: “I was interested in getting involved when the programme makers got in contact as it is important to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

“I would not be here if it hadn't been for the donors and I support anything that can be done to highlight the issue.

“They came to do the filming a couple of weeks ago and spoke to me, my parents and got to know about my background.

“Hopefully we will be able to do our bit to help.”

Mr Gates failed to thrive as a baby and tests revealed his kidneys were small and not working properly.

He went on to dialysis and was just over a year old when he had his first transplant.

However his body rejected the kidney within three weeks and two further transplants also failed.

The operations were among 40 he endured by his fifth birthday and at six he had his fourth and final kidney transplant.

Over the years Mr Gates has had countless surgery and procedures including a painful operation to fix his teeth, which have not grown properly because of his condition.

Mr Gates is determined to go to this year's transplant games, which are being held in Australia, but it will cost him £3,000.

He said: “The issue of funding for the games is something I feel strongly about and will continue to lobby Parliament.

“Other athletes get support but we get nothing and that needs to change.

“Getting the money together for my trip is proving a struggle but I am determined to do it.

“I'm quite interested in doing a sponsored parachute jump but I have to find out whether I'm medically fit to do it.”

Lifegivers is a week long series of programmes going out on BBC1 at 9.15am, starting on Monday.

Mr Gates' appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Anyone interested in supporting Mr Gates through his fundraising can call 07752 489965 or go to www.justgiving.co.uk/justgiving.