My life was saved on July 9th 2006, by recieving a double lung transplant. I suffered from one of the world's rarest lung diseases, called Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Lam only affects women, and there is no cure at present. My journey still astounds me, as to how I overcame 15 lung collapses, 3 weeks in a coma, more weeks conscious on life support, learning to walk again with a zimmaframe, and fighting to stay alive. I required 24 hour oxgygen to help me breathe and became wheelchair dependant.
Update on Bupa Run - I completed it in 3hours, 1 minute, 59 seconds. However,the last 3 miles I struggled with pain in my left leg, and the last mile I was in agony and fought through my tears to finish (could barely walk but didn't want to give up). I never expected to collapse 5 seconds before the finish line with a double-leg collapse, thanks to Imi who helped drag me over the finish. Then to be rushed to the medical team via wheelchair (that brought back memories) in agonisying pain. The medics couldn't believe I had actually even done the run!
July 30th - August 2nd, will be the UK Transplant Games in Coventy. I am entering 5 events:- 100m, 100m relay, 200m, long jump, and badminton. UPDATE: 2 bronze medals achieved in 100m + 200m sprints and silver in badminton
August 29th, I will be doing a talk at a Golf event to "tell my story" and raise awareness on Lam and organ donation.
September 6th, I will be running at Harefield Hospital whereby I had my life -saving transplant.October 25th, I will be running (this is my first ever half marathon) the Bupa Great South 10mile Run in Portsmouth. Joining me for this event will be Imi Spencer who was introduced to me by one of her old school friend's via facebook, and Imi's mom also had a lung transplant in 2001. Imi has said to me "knowing some of what you have been through makes me so inspired by your courage and strength to go out there and make the most of life, in a way many people wouldn't, and because of that I decided to join you in the GSR to support and show people that if you have the determination you can and will succeed".
Marc Prosser was also going to participate, but, sadly he died in July this year.
My media throughout this year - has been in local newspapers/radio/tv (BBC 1 News) to continue with awareness campaigns. The most recent being in the BOOTS Health & Beauty Magazine (page 93) in the July/August issue. Also, I couldn't believe that I was nominated for an Essex Achievers Award, "Against the Odds" and on the night - won!
If you are able to help sponsor me, I would be so grateful. I miss my friends whose journies were not as happy as mine. Especially, to 4 wonderful women who made an impact in my life being:- Ida Victor, Melissa Arnold, Julie Teed and Lynn Aston. And to my dear friend, Marc Prosser. RIP x x
Special thanks to Nuffield Health, Chelmsford Sports & Athletics Centre, Runners World in Chelmsford, and to Fran Cliffe for her coaching expertise.
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