It's fair to say it was a scene Adam Hughes wouldn't have envisaged in October 2014.

But almost five years since the kidney transplant that saved his life, the 31-year-old returned from Gateshead this month having scored the winning goal in an international football tournament.

He represented Great Britain in the World Transplant Games, and after wins against Italy and Finland set up a pivotal clash with Netherlands, it was the former Carew FC player and manager who scored with a solo effort from half way to seal the silverware in style.

And he admitted he was "Made up to have won the gold with an inspirational bunch of boys."

"After getting a silver medal with the Welsh team at the British Transplant Games I was determined to go one better with the GB team at the World Games," he told Telegraph Sport.

"And it was a surreal feeling when we did, beating Finland, Holland and Italy on the way, and grabbing the winning goal was a great personal bonus.

"Hopefully now I can keep fit, keep training hard and make the squad again in two years and defend our title in Texas."

And Adam hasn't forgotten those who have helped him ever since he was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in April 2013, which resulted in 10 hours of daily dialysis leading up to his eventual transplant.

"I am now nearing five years since my transplant and I am forever grateful to my donor," he added.

"Not only for being able to have wonderful opportunities such as this and be part of such an inspirational and talented team - but for the five extra years of life I have been able to enjoy."

And to Adam's delight, present at the games was a former football star, who himself went through a kidney transplant in 2017.

"It was a surreal experience to meet one of my childhood heroes in Andrew Cole, and hear him talk so emotionally about his own journey.

"It would be brilliant to have him involved and hopefully play alongside him in the future when he is ready.

"To finish, a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me and made it possible for me to attend - it has been an unforgettable journey for both me and my family."