Jim was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2003 following multiple episodes of arrythmia. He had some lengthy hospital stays following ablation and device insertion. He lived with his condition for many years but with declining health he eventually had to be signed off work and was referred to the advanced heart failure team in 2019.
Jim received his heart transplant on 22nd August 2020. He refers to this as the day he received the ‘gift of life’ after a wonderful family allowed their loved one’s organ donation to go ahead. Thanks to them he is now living a ‘normal’ life. He makes the most of life and says that he’s done many things which would not have been possible without his donor’s wishes of organ donation being fulfilled. He says that he is now living for two people and tries to enjoy every moment.
One of Jim’s big passions is the British transplant games, which he says are ‘AMAZING!’ The British Transplant Games is an annual event where transplant recipients and donors compete in a range of sporting events to raise awareness of the need for organ donation. The games encourage transplant recipients to lead active lifestyles and show appreciation for their donors and their families.
The 'gift of life' enabled Jim to attend his first games in Leeds, just a few weeks before the second anniversary of his transplant. Subsequently, he volunteered again and has competed in the last three games which have taken him to Coventry, Nottingham and this year Oxford. Whilst all the venues were great, doing the archery and the donor run/walk at Blenheim Palace this year was really memorable. He also won gold in the 200m in his age category.
Through his association with various voluntary organisations including the British Transplant Games, Cardiomyopathy UK and the Donor Family Network, Jim has made many new friends including fellow recipients who he calls his ‘heart-mates.’ We certainly wouldn’t be without Jim’s sunny disposition in our support group!
