Hello. my name is Tracy Harris. I am 45 years old and am trying to raise as much money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as possible. I am also trying to raise awareness for organ donation.
I have chosen to raise money for the Cycstic Fibrosis Trust following the loss of my fiancee, Viv, who tradgically passed away following an unsuccessful lung transplant.
Viv was only 34 yers old when she died. The lung transplant was the only hope that we had for her to continue her life as her lungs were so badly damaged due to the effects of CF.
We were together for a wonderfully amazing eight and a half years. Engaged after just one week, although we knew each other for several months. Viv was truly the most inspirational person that I have ever met. Her determination was monumental. Her love for life and everything in it was also equally incredible.
We met in the gym. I was a fitness instructor and helped Viv to keep as fit as possible when she visited the gym and she also joined in the trampoline sessions that I instructed at Stanley Deason Leisure centre.
Well, I really felt that my world had ended when I lost Viv. I struggled every single hour of every day to find a reason to continue.
A year before Viv had her transplant I had been involved in a bad accident where a car had ran me over and consultants said I'd never exercise without pain again.
But continue with life I did. We had a wonderful dog, an Italian Spinone called Dave, who gave me lots of love and companionship through the really bad times. Dave was 11 yrs old when he sadly passed away in November last year.
For me, I have had to dig so deep to keep finding the strength to go on. But go on I have, using many lessons learnt from Viv's attitude towards life and challenge. After 6 years of rehabilitation and determination I have been able to get back into shape. Despite the 'experts' writing me off, I am now able to exercise enough to compete again.
My donation page is coming to a close.
I want to thank all those that have donated ... I really appreciate your support and generosity .. from the bottom of my heart ... thank you so much.
Although my goal was to gain a podium finish at the Duathlon World Championships, I regret to tell you that dispite racing my socks off, I did not achieve the goal
However, earlier in the year I gained a 'wild card' for the World triathlon Championships which were held in Canada.
I had the race of my life and won my age group.
I have only been able to do this due the inspirational positive attitude to life changes that I have gained due to being Vivs partner. If she had not had suffered from CF and had the same approach to life and relentless determination i am sure that she would have become a World champion in whatever path she chose.
I hope that my efforts and my story will inspire you to support me with both donation and also to register yourself on the organ donor list. If you wish to know a little more about my story please visit http://www.tri247.com/article_3071_Whatever+happened+to%3A+Tracy+Harris.html?category=interviews where you can read a recent interview about my fitness life and the goals and why I am wearing pink.
To register for organ donation is very simple. You can either call the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or go online to www.uktransplant.org.uk . You will not then have to carry a card about with you.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cystic Fibrosis Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Thank you again for your support.
Trace
