Since my life-saving liver transplant in 2004, I have enjoyed a number of sporting achievements.  Most of these have come about through competitions organised by Transplant Sport UK, which encourages transplant recipients to celebrate their new lease of life, made possible only by the generosity of their donors and their families.

I have never met my donor family and I know very little about my donor, other than she was 48 when she died.  This means she would have been celebrating her 60th birthday some time this year.  I have therefore chosen this year to run my very first marathon, the Belfast City Marathon on 2nd May in recognition of this.  If I complete this race, I will also achieve a personal goal to complete my first marathon before turning 30 in August.

My chosen charity is the RVH Liver Support Group.  I was first introduced to the charity shortly after my transplant and today, I have family members involved in its leadership.

The charity was founded in 1998 by Kay Duffy after her husband's liver transplant.  Its aim is to provide free and confidential advice and support for people throughout Northern Ireland with liver conditions and their friends and families.  A significant number of these will be waiting for or have received transplant surgery, which at present requires travelling to a hospital in England.  Many of these, including myself have sought reassurance from the group and have benefited from their invaluable advice and support. 

Organ transplantation is only possible through the generosity of donors.  By registering to be a donor, you will potentially save or transform the lives of multiple people.  You can sign up online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 123 23 23.  Once you've done that, be sure to share your wishes with those closest to you.

Thank you for your support!