Hi, thanks for logging on and taking the time to read my personal message. I have signed up to run the Glasgow half marathon on 7th September 2008 to raise funds for the Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association. My Dad was first diagnosed with emphysema when he was 38 years old. He was a Miner and laterally a Training Instructor in the Barony Colliery, Ayrshire, and this industrial illness was discovered through a routine medical. At 41 Dad had 80% of his right lung removed. Eleven years later major surgery was carried out on his left lung which was relatively unsuccessful. Throughout his illness my Dad’s mobility reduced drastically to the point a wheelchair was required to cover even the shortest of distances. This reduced both his own and my Mum’s quality of life and was hard for them both. Knowing that his condition would not improve Dad decided to put himself forward for a lung transplant. Dad was put in contact with the Freeman hospital in Newcastle which is the nearest hospital to Scotland where lung transplants are carried out. The information and support my parents received from the staff at the Freeman hospital was second to none. A high level of communication was maintained throughout the process and counselling made available for my Mum also. In their eyes everyone is affected and involved. In February 2007, on his 7th trip to the Freeman, he successfully received a new lung just as he was about to go onto oxygen for 17 hours a day. Dad has accepted the new organ well and is living life to the full. My parents have just returned from a Fjords cruise in July, talking of booking up for another and their first grandchild is expected in August. I would like to thank all the staff at the Freeman for everything they did for my Father and the excellent monitoring and aftercare he continues to receive. Organ donation is a personal choice. However, it really is the gift of life stemming from sad circumstances and I would encourage anyone who does not already carry a donor card to consider one. Dad’s got his life back and I’ve got my Dad. Thank you for visiting this web site.
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