Hannah’s new start

I was born with Cystic Fibrosis.  By the age of 9 I was in a wheelchair and on oxygen 24 hours a day seven days a week, along with a feeding tube.  I spent most of my time lying in the hospital as I was too ill to do anything else.  My mum and dad were told that my only chance of staying alive was by undergoing a heart and double lung transplant.

The call came for me the night I was a bridesmaid!  I had two wishes come true in one night!  I was 10 years old when I underwent my transplant.  I am now 22 and working in a primary school – and living a good life.

My donor and their family are my heroes!  They are the reason I am able to live the life I do.  There are no words to explain how I feel about being given the gift of life, but I am forever grateful to my donor and their family.

It is a new year and a new start.  I hope that people sign up as organ donors this year and share their wishes with their loved ones.  Will you?

Hannah Whittam