A TRANSPLANT survivor has marked the 25th anniversary of his life-saving surgery with a ride around a racetrack in some of the world’s fastest cars.

John Mossom, 41, from Crosby, near Maryport, had a heart transplant in 1994 after it was weakened by two years of chemotherapy as a child.

He now aims to make the most of his time having been given “a second chance at life”.

John seizes the day by taking part in exciting activities that get his blood pumping.

Explaining his thrill-seeking attitude he said: “I think the person who gave me the transplant would be disappointed with me if I didn’t live life to the full.”

His latest activity fulfilled a life-long dream, as he was given the opportunity to complete five high-speed runs in supercars at Cottesmore, Leicestershire.

“I had a brilliant day, I’m a massive car nut,” said John.

He tries to do a track day every year but this was a special occasion as he was able to drive some of the fastest cars in the world at top speeds down an airfield.

The event was organised by Auto Vivendi, which organised the closing of the airfield for the day. It offers a range of supercar-related activities to the public.

John took the wheel in a Ferrari which he drove up to 115mph, an Aston Martin Vantage which he drove at 179mph and an Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.

He also reached a top speed of 199mph in a Lamborghini Aventador and completed his challenge for the day – 203 miles per hour in a McLaren 720S.

John has previously completed a tandem sky dive for the 15th anniversary of his transplant and for his 40th birthday, he rode the fastest and longest zip wire in the UK at Penrhyn Quarry in Wales.

He has also braved the Via Ferrata Xtreme which suspends thrillseekers on a tightrope high above Honister Slate Mine.

His father, David Mossom, drives him to the events so that he has energy to complete them as he still struggles with fatigue.

John said: “I have waited five years to do this and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day with my dad and the team at Auto Vivendi.”