I am 42 and have Cystic Fibrosis (CF). 

CF is an inherited genetic disease .  In those with CF the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food.  Each week 5 babies are born with CF and 2 people die.  

My life with CF had been a constant cycle of chest physiotherapy, IV antibiotics and hospital admissions.  By the time I reached my late 20's the simplest of tasks such as having a shower or putting on my socks required a mammoth effort, due to the damage to my lungs caused by recurrent chest infections.  I spent more time in hospital than I did at home I was alive but not living.  I was wheelchair bound and hooked to an oxygen machine 24 hours a day.  My thoughts and efforts were focused on getting through the day trying to keep a smile on my face, deep down I knew that my time was running out. 

All of that changed on the 30 October 2003 due to the kindness and courage of a total stranger and their family, I received a double lung transplant at Harefield Hospital.  Harefield Hospital is a pioneer in the world of heart and lung transplants and has one of the largest transplants centres in the world.

When I woke after the surgery I could breathe properly for the first time in my life... I vowed that day, to honour my donor for every extra day I had because of their precious gift. My recovery was slow and painful but I was determined to gain and maintain a fitness level I was never able to achieve before my transplant.  Over the past 12 years I have strived to achieve and maintain my fitness. I have completed in numerous transplant games, completed two triathlons and a half marathon.  My life motto is now "Living the Dream"

A key part to my rehabilitation to full health and fitness (both physically & mentally) was the support I received and continue to receive from my fellow transplant recipients that I met when I joined the Harefield Transplant Club. HTC has been in existence for over 30 years and provides an essential support network to those that have received a transplant.  We advocate the positive success of transplants and promote organ donation to a wider audience.  Fundraising for HTC ensures it survival so that future generations of transplant patients can benefit, just like I have. 

Six members of the HTC who have received heart or lung transplants are competing in a Tough Mudder :a 10 mile obstacle course that will test our physical and mental strength. Our team has a combined transplant age of over 55 years, transplants work!! 

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