The Windang father-of-two will compete in the golf events at the games, which will be held in Melbourne from September 26 to October 4.

Mr Burns, 41, won a silver medal at the last games – held in Newcastle in 2012 – and hopes to add to his tally this time around.

However, his main motivation is to raise awareness of the many Australians, including himself, who would not be here without the kindness of strangers.

‘‘Five years ago I was just a normal healthy middle-aged guy with two young kids and running a landscaping company,’’ he said.

‘‘Then in November 2009 my lung function started to drop and I slowly deteriorated until I ended up in the intensive care unit at St George Hospital.

‘‘One day everything just collapsed and when I woke up again I had two new lungs.

‘‘I couldn’t be any more thankful to the donor and their family, without that gift I wouldn’t be here today.’’

Now Mr Burns is back running his business, spending time with wife Raelene and children Jackson, 12, and Zoe, 16, and enjoying a spot of golf.

He said the games were great for transplant recipients who could share stories, offer support and encouragement and raise awareness of the need for organ donation.

‘‘It means a great deal to all of us transplant recipients, as it brings awareness to the whole issue of transplantation,’’ he said.

‘‘I am not only doing this for my own return to health but hope that my success at the games can be a way of giving back to my organ donor family.’’

Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas said the games were ‘‘living proof’’ that transplantation saved lives.

‘‘For many Australians who have received an organ transplant the games provide recipients with the motivation and inspiration to remain active, set new goals and provides an opportunity for people to network with others in similar situations,’’ he said.

‘‘Organ donation is something every person, every Australian, can discuss with their families and make a difference to the 1800 Australians on our waiting list.’’