While much of Australia has been baking over summer and coping with the constant threat of bush fires, Launceston’s Mark Brewer is this week taking on some different extremes.

Mark is representing Australia at the 10th World Transplant Winter Games in Anzere in the Swiss Alps, some 2500m above sea level. Almost 200 competitors from 24 countries including Great Britain, the USA, many European countries and smaller countries such as Nepal and Kazakhstan are in Switzerland for the week-long celebration of the success of organ and tissue donation. Participants include those with heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas and bone marrow transplants.

Read more from Transplant Australia: Transplant athletes flying flag for organ donation

It is a real challenge for the 59-year-old, who celebrates the 10th anniversary of his heart transplant next month.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to compete at this age, still being able to get out there and enjoy the good health because of my heart transplant,” Mark said. “Living life to the full demonstrates that you can have a normal life after a transplant and that gift is amazing.

“I have been able to do my full-time job, to enjoy a life that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t receive that transplant. We are so grateful to our donors for what they have done for us.”

It wasn't always that way. At just 32, Mark was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. Three heart attacks, five pacemakers and 17 years later, his heart tissue was so badly damaged that only a transplant would save him. He received the call from The Alfred Hospital 10 years ago and now he is determined to celebrate every moment, including the World Transplant Winter Games with his wife Ailsa.

Transplant Australia CEO and President of the World Transplant Games Federation, Chris Thomas, said Mark was a shining example of a transplant recipient who took his rehabilitation and ongoing health seriously.

“I am very privileged to be here in Anzere, and to see Mark racing down the ski slopes in the slalom events is truly inspiring. Just coping with the altitude with a heart transplant is impressive, but to be exerting yourself in pursuit of a gold medal is stunning,” Chris said.

“He is certainly doing Launceston, Tasmania and Australia proud, and is living proof of the importance of discussing organ and tissue donation with your family, and signing on to the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Becoming an organ donor makes a difference to others, enabling many to go on and live heathy, fulfilled lives.

Chris said: “All the recipients (at the World Transplant Winter Games) owe their lives to someone else. There are so many languages being spoken in the village this week, but the one bond that unites us all is the generosity of the human spirit.”