Gina's Story of Hope Part I: Gina Brittain, a Cannock & Stafford Breathe Easy member, shares with us all how a lung transplant changed her life dramatically. For several years Gina had been confined to a wheelchair, and needed a constant supply of oxygen. When she arrived at the Breathe Easy Christmas Party without her chair, and completely independent for the first time in years everyone was gob smacked. Gina declared "all my Christmases have come at once". This is Gina's story of hope and courage in her own words.

My name is Gina and I am 44 years old. Eight years ago doctors told me I was suffering from emphysema. At the time I did not realise how completely debilitating this could be. For years I struggled with my breathing and even the simplest of tasks became harder to achieve. My job in catering and bar management eventually became impossible and despite being given lighter duties I regrettably had to leave the job I loved in 2000.

From this point on everyday activities such as washing, shopping and even bathing myself became impossible. By this time I was reliant on portable oxygen cylinders which did help but were too heavy to carry by myself, so I became totally dependent on others when I wanted to go out.

By 2001 I needed an oxygen concentrator at home to give me a 24 hour supply of oxygen. I was also now confined to a wheelchair as I could only walk a few paces without becoming short of breath. Despite these difficulties I still attended my pulmonary rehabilitation classes, as I knew how important it was to keep my muscles going. Despite this my weight began to plummet and I needed hospitalisation to help me gain weight.

In 2003 I was referred to Papworth Hospital for a surgical opinion. The possibility of lung volume reduction surgery was considered but it was decided that the emphysema was now too widespread. The reality was that a lung transplant was the only answer. I was accepted onto the transplant list in July, nine weeks later I got my first call, but unfortunately the lungs were not found to be viable so I went back on the waiting list. On November 5th at 3.20 am I got a second call and was rushed by ambulance, complete with flashing blue lights, to Papworth. By 11.00 am I was the recipient of my gift of new life - two new lungs.

When I came round from the operation I could not believe that I did not require any oxygen at all. My life had been transformed back to how it was ten years ago before the original diagnosis. I have even joined a gym! The lungs are great but my body is finding it a little difficult to keep up. Hopefully this will improve if I work hard enough and so I visit the gym three to four times a week!

Later on this year I will attempt to compete in the Transplant Olympics and also raise lots of money to help the transplant teams to save more lives in the future. I realise that I am one of the lucky ones - the harsh reality is that not everyone can have a transplant because of the shortage of donated organs. I know it is hard when you have lost a loved one, but please consider carrying a donor card so that you could help someone like me. Without my donor there is every chance that I would have died by now. She gave me the chance of life - a priceless gift.

If you wish to register to be an organ donor call the National information line on 0845 60 60 400.

Part II of Gina's story will be featured soon!

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