50+ of us will be walking the first two sections of the West Highland Way – 26 miles from Milngavie to Rowardennan on the weekend of 6 and 7 June 2009 to raise money for The Transplant Trust in memory of our late, very dear friend and colleague, Jim Smith aka Miffy, who at the age of just 43, suffered a Cardiac Arrest on Sunday, 22 February 2009 whilst out jogging with his partner, Caroline, and who later tragically died in the Intensive Care Unit of Hairmyres Hospital, some four days later on the 26 February 2009.
Jim was a Graduate in Geography and Geology, as well as being a Building Surveyor for the past 15 years, and he had a great passion for the countryside and in particular his beloved Scotland. This you will see from his profile picture which was taken at Loch Avich in Argyll, on one of his many excursions up North with Caroline.
Those of you who knew Jim will remember him as a very honest, funny and kind man, who would always be willing to do anything he possibly could to help anyone. Im sure there will be many of you nodding your head in agreement, as you read this, and will no doubt have your own stories/memories to share. Jim’s generosity and selflessness remained with him even after his death when, as being on the Organ Donor Register, he donated his organs, with the consent of his loved ones, hence the reason The Transplant Trust is the chosen Charity for this event, in his memory.
Jim’s kidneys have been both been successfully transplanted, one was received by a 53 year old man who was on dialysis for four years, with the second having gone to a 36 year old man with a young family, who can look forward to a bright future with their “Daddy”. His heart valves are being held by the hospital and are most likely to be received by new born babies with heart defects. Jim’s liver was intended for a particular recipient but unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances, this was not possible, however, his liver will be used for research purposes. On a positive note, the intended recipient has now received a liver from another donor and, we hope, is recovering well. We are positive that, wherever Jim is now, he will be absolutely delighted to know that he has been responsible for giving a better quality and prolonged life to those involved.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: The Transplant Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 25% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Caroline and her two boys, Alasdair and Dylan, who adored Jim very much and regarded him as a Step Dad, along with Jim’s parents Jim and Sandra, Sister Margo and Niece Natasha, and his extended family, would like to thank you for visiting this fundraising page and for giving generously, in memory of Jim.
