BEING told you are mad by the Queen added to the surreal experience of a champion transplant games medallist’s invite to Buckingham Palace.

Steve Deakin went to the prestigious palace in London last Thursday to receive his MBE, which he was awarded in the New Year’s Honours List.

Meeting the Queen came as an early birthday present for the Ealing Road, Great Sankey man who celebrated his 48th birthday the following day.

He received the award after raising the awareness of the opportunities available to transplant recipients.

The dad of three children and two stepchildren took his dad, Archie, aged 67, partner Jane Hart and brother, Ian to the palace.

He said: “My dad was first on my list. He gave me my first kidney in 1984.”

Steve’s first kidney transplant failed, he will be holding a party in May to celebrate the 19th birthday of his second kidney transplant and his achievement.

He has competed in the transplant games since 1985 and won five medals in the national transplant games in Sheffield last year. He had both his feet amputated but refuses to let his disabilities hold him back.

“The Queen was absolutely fantastic. She asked what sports I did so I told her I had swam the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. She said she didn’t think anyone had swam it before. She said I was mad after I told her I did it with no feet!

“She was giggling. It was really awesome. It was a really surreal day,” said Steve.

On Friday, Steve went to Green Lane Special School, Padgate to tell pupils about his experiences and to let them see his awards.

He said: “The school was brilliant, it was on the same par as picking up my MBE. They were all asking me questions and were so welcoming.”

The dedicated sportsman is now training up to five times a week for the World Transplant Games which will take place in Australia next year.

He will captain the Great Britain swimming team at the event.