Hornchurch teenager Tom Nott looks like any other boy his age, however he has overcome more problems than most his age would see in their entire life.

Born with a kidney defect, Tom had to have his right kidney removed when he was 18 months old. When he was two-and-a-half he had his first kidney transplant. His family said doctors were amazed at his quick recovery.

He has since suffered from numerous infections and problems including Kawasaki disease, which inflames blood vessels, because of his condition.

But after his health worsened this summer he had to have his second kidney transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which Tom, now 14, says, “saved my life”.

He said: “I was getting really tired easily and was always ill. I was always at the hospital for blood tests. Since the operation it has made me able to attend school more. I haven’t been as tired and have been able to see my mates instead of just messaging them. It has changed my life, and I am not always spending it at home ill and I can walk more than I used to.”

But despite still recovering from his second life-changing operation his mind is firmly focused on his school work and he has excelled. He said: “I was supposed to take my early maths GCSE in June, but I became ill and had to have my transplant then. The operation has meant I can attend school more.”

And only last month he was asked to talk about his experiences in front of 100 of the country’s top surgeons at a conference at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

He said: “I was nervous, but it was alright. I had to do a speech about my condition, my problems, and the infections I had had. They were all surprised and saying well done.”

He said the operation has helped him concentrate on his future, and means he can work towards the career he wants, “I have spent a lot of time in hospital, but I don’t like being behind in my work. I want to go to college and university and eventually become a sports journalist.”