In 2012 I became one of the lucky ones. I was given the gift of life and received a double lung transplant, without which I wouldn't be alive today. I am raising money for lifesaving medical equipment.

I am one of a team of transplant recipients, who are climbing 5 mountains in Ecuador finishing with Cotopaxi, one of the highest volcanos in the world, with a summit of 5897m. 

The purpose is to raise awareness of organ donation whilst raising money for much needed medical equipment through completing this very personal challenge. At the same time I was being given the gift of life and new hope, there was a person somewhere else that lost their fight for life, and their friends and families hope ran out. This is the reason why this climb is in honour of my donor, as it is is something I will be forever grateful for. 

It is a sad truth that more people die on the waiting list than recieve a transplant. This happens for two main reasons. The first is lack of organ donation with people having not registered or communicated their wishes to their family before it's too late. The second reason is the inability to keep organs in good functional condition long enough for them to be transplanted.

An Organ Care System simulates the conditions of the human body. The traditional method of packing them in ice only gives a window of 3-4 hours before they deteriorate to level where they are unsuitable for transplantation. OCS triples this window. Its a huge advantage, ensuring their is time for the organs to be taken to those who need them. More information can be found at www.transmedics.com/wt/page/organ_care

This is where your donations come in. We are raising money for OCS, so more people that require a transplant can recieve the same gift of life that I did. It will allow these people to continue their lives, not die on the transplant waiting list, and give them a chance to go on to do amazing things - many of whom have endured a lifetime of illness.

As a group we are looking to raise a total of £120,000. It's a big total, but with your help we know we can make it. Whatever you can donate, however big or small, will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you everyone for your kind and generous support, and visiting my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.