Life LAM & Lovely Lungs

2012 begins.....

2012-01-20T07:49:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

Hello 2012 - how are you!?

I have missed writing to everyone due to a major laptop virus that saw me without internet for about 4 weeks before Christmas. Thank heavens for my phone giving me some joy for twitter & facebook updates ;)

This is just to say, that I AM back and in better health from a blip before the year ended 2011. I guess I will never be 100% 'normal' but, it is part of my journey and one I keep accepting - and just 'get on with it'!

I live my life for the now and do all and everything whilst I can and those who know me well understand this and the reason why I live this way. I do more than those who have no health issues and remain positive even when times are hard.

Ok ok.....well I may have had a mini breakdown at my parents before the year ended, whereby I cried so much learning I had to deal with chest infections and the onset of Obliterative Bronchitis (OB). But, it is a new year - new start, and my infections hopefully gone (OB still present) and feeling better, happy, and smiley, and looking forward to a great year ahead :)

Most of you know that I am to join the Clipper 11-12 race this year (June-July), and when I return home compete in the British Transplant Games (August). My time is so busy now learning new athletic sports for this:- javelin, shot put and discus aswell as maintaining my badminton. I have decided to give up squash and sprinting as too much now on my lungs (and when I think back...I can't believe that I certainly did give it my all).

Oh I have a 'wish list' set up on Amazon.co.uk, click on sailing wish list then under wish list, type in my name, Justine Laymond - if anyone fancies helping me on my merry way looking the part of a sailor. Thanks if you do - any help is really appreciated!! xx

My coach, Brian Mackenzie is brilliant supporting me and assisting with my training on the athletic side, and I have said to him - it's nice to be able to do sports and not get breathless. However, I retract this statement, after repetitions on shot put/discus this week needing me having a 'breather' literally..hahahaha

I look forward to also resuming some coaching from Michael Kilby for badminton shortly :)

There is so much still to prepare and organise before my departure at sea, and I have used post-it note-pads as my life-saviour with post-its stuck all round my flat ;)

Today, I had semi - permanent eye makeup done (eyeliner top of eyes and in corner of bottom eyes). There is no glamour at sea..no time to do make-up or hair, but, I thought this would be a nice little extra to perhaps make me still feel like a lady with some dignity. I have to say, I am amazed and delighted with the results from Ruth Kane whose website is here semi-permanent makeup

All I need to do now is sort my hair out to be more manageable! Oh and the colour...... stay purple? Go back to red? Pink? Black? Cut short...decisions decisions :)

This update was meant to be just a few lines to say hellooooo, but in true Jussie style I waffle on as usual. I am grateful for every day and last year lost a lot of good friends to illnesses/their transplant journey ending, and that's why every day I am still here is a flipping miracle! I miss my friends and this year it's for all my precious angels xxxx

Well that's it for now...at least the ball is rolling again so to speak and I can also resume on my auto-biography which is harder than I thought to do and will take much longer to finish than I initially aimed for.

Much love and happy smiles to each of you

xxxxx

Captain Jussie

2011-11-14T01:43:00.001-08:00

Woohoooooo - thanks for this piccie captured by Kim

All wrapped up - Ninja Jussie

Here I am back in the 'sailing' mode about to have a few days at sea to refresh my skills. I didn't want to not be able to go sailing again this year, and leave until February '12 when doing a Clipper refresher course. I thought it was important to keep the momentum going, and have a chance to go over some basics again and conquer some areas I felt I lacked confidence in. I was nervous and excited and hoped wouldn't be sea sick either!

Hey, check out the yacht I was on over the weekend...great name - eh!! No reflection on me or anyone else ;)

Below, is Adam Tuffnell the skipper incharge over the weekend, and just getting set up with his electronics..men and their gadgets ;)

Also, for anyone interested in sailing check out Adam's website in this link for all you need to know/courses available White-Ocean Website

I was the first to arrive on Thursday 10th November and Adam was in the little galley cooking a mexican dish. The drive down was a nightmare, lots of traffic and sadly accidents and a perhaps 3.5 hour journey took me 5 hours (including a pit-stop on the motorway). I was quite tired upon arrival, but suprised at the lavishness of the yacht - a 34foot Bavaria, and had my own cabin - woo!! I guess from my Clipper training on a larger yacht with basics and a sling of material as a bunk with no privacy - I expected the same. So, happy days and I unpacked and made myself at home :)

Later that night, Kim and Julie arrived who I already knew from earlier in the year but not sailed with before (and they are both on a different yacht to me in the Clipper Race). It's nice when you get to meet and spend time with new people, an element I really treasure from this experience to date.

Here I am with Kim practising knots.....bowline, rolling hitch, clove hitch etc

Anyone would think Kim was moving in long-term - how much stuff ;) It's amazing really how much you need. One bag for sleeping gear, another for foulies, then another for base layers/boots/deck shoes/toiletries/clothing etc....it all adds up. But, I am trying to master less and pack well as for the race itself as there will be a weight restriction onboard the race. Also due to condensation packing everything in airtight 'drybags' is essential!

That night was spent eating our mexican wraps and having a good chat before we all decided it's time to sleep.

The next day another two people joined that being Honour and Javier and once breakfast done - time to set sail! Yippy!

My main concern is helming and I had plenty of practice - only small movements on the wheel are needed from left to right and centering the wheel each time. Otherwise the yacht swings from one side to the other...lol...I had a few of those moments and left a trail of zig-zag patterns in the sea when I looked behind me!

Oops splash effect look ;)

Woohoo!! Love the waves crashing over :)

I have uploaded some photos that follow below with a brief sentence, so enjoy until I write more.

Julie on the helm - it requires serious concentration you know ;)

Javier and Honour enjoying the view

Julie and I taking a 'smile' moment for the camera :)

And, I even get to helm in the dark.......

The weekend I joined for this sailing adventure, was actually a two part day skipper course - but, I just wanted to refresh my skills and get the experience back on the water. So, just did the one weekend. But, whilst I was there - still learned day skipper aspects which will help whilst doing my leg in the race. And here I am with Honour looking at charts and navigation planning.

And now night navigations....

On the Friday, I was 'mother' to cook for the crew and skipper and on the menu was chicken curry. It's actually quite hard to prepare and cook with such a tiny space and lots of prep was required cutting vegetables, cooking, washing up as you go along (where possible). The great aspect was that I was preparing/cooking on a relatively smooth sea and that will not always be the case. I remember for some of my training earlier in the year, being 'mother' and having to prepare drinks/foods when the yacht was at a 45 degree angle. Needless to say I did feel a little...green!!!

The view from above to below and you can see how small on the left the galley is.

And here is the space I had to to work with....its's small, but you manage...like you do on the Clipper yachts. Actually I love cooking and its quite normal for me to host parties at my flat and love making lots of food. Nothing makes me more happy than seeing my friends enjoy what I have prepared. I never manage to cook just enough...I cook way too much, and it is known to have 'goody bags' to take home after leaving mine :)

Chicken curry for 6!

After a day at sea and a heavy duty curry - it was time to report back to my cabin and catch up on some sleep.

It's lovely to wake up in the morning to tranquil waters and beautiful scenery.

Some of the perks being at sea :)

I love the peacefulness of this all.

So, a new day and time for more drills at sea and plenty of man overboard practices were done, and mooring onto buoys. It was good as we all had a turn to do each part of a drill whether ie: helming to a mooring buoy, lifting the rope, passing through a rope in the loop attached to the buoy etc.....so roles were equally experienced. This concept was done over the weekend in all aspects of day skipper. The benefits of a smaller group is that you DO get to learn and experience everything and have time to go over, question, and make sure you fully understand what/how to do things. To which really benefited me as to what I wanted to be able to gain from this weekend!

Sharing a happy moment with Kim

I have no idea what I'm pointing at..or even why this photo of me was taken like this, but, found it quite amusing - hence why on my blog ;)

Look at my serious focused face whilst at the helm!

Adam guiding me whilst helming - I am never serious - but I am when responsible for a 34 foot yacht and a crew of people on board. No time for full throttle and three point turns...not like driving on the roads!!

And finally I get to park! Didn't quite get to the spot required and moved up along the jetty...just aswell there were no other boats or it would have been a pile up! Most of us managed this task quite well when it was our turn at the helm to moor up...except...perhaps a couple others moved along too and if any yachts were there, would have been...aim and hit ;)

From helming and taking turns with the ropes to moor up - and being covered in pigeon poo from a jetty splattered..urm..not nice and very smelly. But, all part of the journey and I wouldn't change a thing. Like also having rough weather and waves crashing over, getting soaked from the sea/rain - all part of the experience.

Ok just a couple of random piccies here.

On Saturday night we all decided to go to a pub, eat, drink, share some giggles - before the last day training the following day. It has to be said by this point, I was truly exhausted and struggled eating my meal which is unlike me and by 10pm felt I could just drop my face on the table and fall asleep. We all left by 11pm and that hour I barely spoke much (again unlike me) as my body was shattered.

Here I am with Kim and Javier all smiles at the pub.

Sunday morning when we left port, the sea seemed more choppy and we were going against the tide. I did feel a little queasy and wasn't able to focus as my head was like a space cadet. I quite like the change in the sea, as I find it exhilerating - but do not like feeling unwell. I tried to focus but knew it was just a matter of time......hahahahaha!!!! And sorry Honour who saw my face change and told me to get to the back of the yacht......

Needless to say..........I felt better after and Honour gave me a rice cracker to help line my stomach - thank you.

After a short time, I was back on form and had more time helming and laughing about and absorbing all the drills again. Plenty of time was done with the sails and reefs in/out and learning about trimming and how when at the helm to know when adjustments were needed to the sails to aid helming making it easier. I eventually got a feel for this and noticed the difference it makes when at the helm. Happy Days!

We all arrived back at the Solent in the afternoon and spent time cleaning the yacht, and then I had a de-brief with Adam. I was happy to know that Adam felt I had done well, and this weekend meant so much to me as conquered perhaps fears I had/or areas I felt I lacked confidence in. The next time I sail again will be in February next year. Then, I fly to New York at the end of May to join the final leg of the race. I do not want to let anyone down and want to feel confident with my sailing skills and get ready for the challenge of a lifetime for me.

I know this has never been done before by anyone who has had a double-lung transplant, and I really hope I can do this, and inspire others that there is hope and that organ donation really does give a life and has made me have a life!

Driving back - I felt a little teary eyed and happy, sometimes my emotions get the better of me. I find it hard to share and feel better that I have my private moments as don't expect people to understand how little things make me happy and smile. Also, thinking about my donor - a day doesn't go by when I don't think of him and how I still breathe for him.

So..that's almost a wrap. Loving life and smiling and may get to blog again before Christmas...it certainly has been an amazing year with highs and lows. Phew....deep breath out.....

Over xx

Hamsters and Angels

2011-10-25T01:14:00.000-07:00

Purrrrrrr....it's been a while since I last blogged. Hamsters, wine, masks, social frenzy, fancy foods and a lotta spare parts. Chest infections, OB, lost LAM sisters and I miss a fallen angel. Read ALL about it. xx

The two photos above are of the gorgeous Rachey...who is now an angel and I will talk about this later in my blog. I am pictured with Rachey here in 2008 when we met for the first time after years of chatting on the internet.

So as above, I attended my first Harefield Transplant Club renunion party for transplantees with their family and friends. I was overwhelmed with the turn out, 94 people and 25 of those actual transplantees (including myself). I have wanted to come along to these weekends, but have always found myself on holiday. But......Croatia done and dusted this year, I was free to come along finally!! :)

Below some of the Hamsters gathering in the hotel. But what is 'Hamster' that I keep referring too? One of the medications taken post transplant is, prednisolone which is a steriod and quite commonly puffs out the face..hence some transplantees known as Hamsters..charming I know ;)

The first night was fancy dress with a mask theme and here I am as 'cats eye' and I wore matching black and grey outfit as a theme colour, then paraded with a skull cane and the skull face changed colour.

Do you know any of these people below.......

And here we have the lovely Jill (chair person) giving her first speech to all 94 of us, and very well done!

Below more 'mask' piccies - hope we don't find ourselves as wanted on Crimewatch ;)

Just another day with William and Kate.... and check out the waiters expression ;)

So now you have seen a selection of photos from the night, much fun and many giggles.....but the biggest joke was when one of the transplantee's had a mask cloning! About 20 'Jamie' masks were made and a group of people put them on then paraded on the dance floor....maybe a case of you had to be there. Oh Jamie - laughed so much and so did everyone else.

Don't mess with me...Grrrrrrrr........

I actually won the theme for the fancy dress night...woohoo and below I proudly hold my champagne :)

Good also to have some of Harefield's nurses enjoying in the fun, and Maria (far right) a lovely supporter still since her husband (Carl) passed away. I never met Carl, but learned that he competed in all the transplant games and found out this information taken from NHSBT

"He has competed in every British and World Transplant Games since 1985 - and was the world 100 metres champion in 1995. He first took part in the British Games in Edinburgh, just seven months after his transplant, and ran the 100 metres in 13.3 seconds.
He has since shaved two seconds off that time, won a host of medals and trophies and captained the British team at the world championship in Australia in 1995"

I feel very honoured to have met Maria and Carl was definitely an inspiration and loved by all.

Time to sleep now and wake up to a glorious sunny the next day, and have a fab walk along Bournemouth beach front.

Always time for sillyness too.....

And more so later back at the hotel, as Lisa's husband Jock, wraps a gift for tonights raffle prize - that of a sexual gift. And the winner was an older lady who luckily upon opening....laughed out very LOUD!! It's too rude for me to mention on my blog........

You see the jokes and banter continue as Mandy enjoys ballooning ;)

All smiles having dinner :)

I was asked also to be a 'raffle girl' to go round each table and sell tickets....my opening line was, "£1.00 for a strip" needless to say I sold many tickets ;)

And here we are us raffle chikas :)

The evening meal ended with all of us transplantees standing up to recieve an applause, thank you to our donors we are still here!

Dinner finished and time to party and shake some moves on the dancefloor, below photo with Nicola (left) and Diane (right) then me as double - lungs (middle)

Urm....no idea, but seems I needed a rest on the dancefloor - thank you chair for being placed so central. And nothing to do with the chair dancing..........men.....weren't you the lucky ones when taking a breather (or maybe you needed one after)........ to the women who gave YOU a chair dance!!!!

Music was provided by a female singer and the last tune was, 'you'll never walk alone' and everyone went onto the dancefloor. Two circles were formed all supporters on the outside and the inner circle with the transplantees. Always an emotive moment......

Well, thats a wrap for the Hamsters' weekend, and I had a great time meeting new friends and being inspired and learning of other people's journeys since their gift of life operations. I will definitely go again, especially as next year will be the 30th anniversary celebrations!! Loved it, a truly amazing weekend :)

So now onto fallen angels.......

My dear friend Rachael Wakefield (photo at top of blog when we met in 2008) passed away October this year and was just 23 years old. Rachy battled with ill health most of her life and we became friends after she wrote to me in 2005. I did an article for 'Breathing Space' magazine and she read about my diagnosis with LAM. Over the years that followed a great friendship developed and we supported each other through our highs and lows with our illnesses. We both had double-lung transplants, but, Rachey didn't take to it that well and faced many complications that caused damage to her new lungs. Rachey only had 18 months post transplant, not enough. It is a very tragic loss indeed - but Rachey lived and fought as much as she could. Now Rachey is a beautiful star shining and sparkling bright in the sky. I will miss her and our chats + giggles very much. Also, its been a tough month with more of my friends loosing their battles.......making me realise just how lucky living is.......I am very grateful and appreciate every day I still buzz about.

Part of transplantation, is that it is a journey and one of an extension. I value each and every day, every breathe and live for today and strive to do all everything whilst I can. I remain positive even when sometimes I may be struggling and have said to myself that I will be the longest living blue rinse double - lung transplantee....granny lungs ;)

I do get hope when I meet and hear of other transplantees still going and living many years post, the most recent of a chap 19 years post double-lungs, and also my friend, Nicola Langlands 22 years post double-lung/heart transplant with her own supportive website, Look Beyond the Heart

Now, some of you would have been unaware that I also had a blip recently and felt not my usual self. After all my sailing training earlier in the year, I decided to have a break and say 'no' to the British Transplant Games too. Rest, relaxation and eating lots and I felt a tad breathless - but thought that due to my lack of exercise. Little did I know I had two chest infections that were comprising my breathing and a decline in my lung function. I went on a 10 day course of anti-biotics and felt so much after, and my breathing felt better again :)

With all these going ons, I also had a scan of lungs and was told that I had early stages OB (described below) and was shown my scan - displaying trapped air in my lungs. I initially was very upset, and told changes in the lungs are expected after 5 years. I guess as told I don't need treatment - that IS a good sign. And with OB lung function should keep declining, but mine isn't - which I believe is all the exercise I'm doing.

'What is Obliterative bronchiolitis?
Obliterative bronchiolitis, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a manifestation of chronic allograft rejection, that is, rejection following organ transplantation from another human being. It develops in nearly 50 percent of all patients who receive a lung transplant from an unrelated donor.
Obliterative bronchiolitis is a severe inflammatory response provoked by lung transplantation from an unrelated donor. The inflammatory response causes a large number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that fights infection) to come into the graft tissue (transplanted tissue), resulting in fibrosis (increase in fibrous tissue) and progressive narrowing of the airway. This can cause airway obstruction and is a major cause of death in patients after receiving lung transplantation.

Once obliterative bronchiolitis develops, the lung function typically declines progressively. Generally, progressive obstruction to airflow results in exercise limitation, repetitive lung infections, and, eventually, death due to poor lung function.
The course of BOS, however, varies between individuals. Some patients experience rapid loss of lung function and die in a few months. Others progress slowly, followed by prolonged stability'.

So, there you have it, and you can understand why I was very upset at learning this news. However, after a few tears...I remain positive as life IS good now, my lung function isn't dropping now, and I will be one of those 'who progress slowly by prolonged stability'. Again, I have hope as have met and spoken to other people with OB and still here after many years.

I have defied odds before...and I shall again!!! I cannot moan or complain as I have said before..every extra day is truly wonderful and I know I am still lucky opposed to my friends sparkling with the stars at night.

OK.......there you have it. Things for me to look forward too.....Christmas!!!...more sailing this week to refresh my skills.....learning new athletic sports....and amazing family/friends who continue to support me all the way. I love my life..and smile every day. Be happy and share the love with me, thank you.

Over for now and lotsa smiles to each of you's

.....always smiling and always will (my motto) I stand by xx

Automatic Linking?

2011-10-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

Testing testing..whether if I write an entry if will link to my Facebook and Twitter accounts......no real news..just a lil test. xx

Harefield Hospital Fun Run

2011-09-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

Here I am with Natasha who has had a double lung and heart transplant 10 years ago - wow!

So me and my 'double-lungs' still baby years growing in at 5 years post transplant...I have some catching up to do!!

Every year, I attend the annual Harefield Hospital Fun Run Fundraiser day and normally run a stall as most people know. This year, I wanted to simply enjoy it for what it was...take part in the run and have no pressures setting up/organising a stall. Also, that my life has been so manic and busy with world transplant games..sailing training etc..and I just need to say 'no' to doing some things. I am slowly learning to do this - though somewhat hard to at the same time...but necessary to allow my body 'rest' times too.

There are hundreds of people every year supporting this event from patients, staff, relatives and this year had exactely 1007 people turn up!

It was fabulous to see Shakin' Stevens, who was going to start the run and I manage to sneak a photo opportunity with him and have a little natter. What a lovely person too :)

The run consisted of two courses (1.5 miles and 3 miles), completing them as many times as you like - once round perhaps being plenty for me. I was unsure how much I did actually want to do so had in mind 1 mile and then see how I felt on the day. My friend, Rich ran with me and we supported each other as to when one of us wanted to stop for a rest or encourage to run to a certain landmark such as run to a tree or lamp post. This process worked well and helped me when I was breathless and needed to be able to breathe normally again. I know many people still don't realise I have breathing issues as can hide it very well (look down...look away....take deep breaths and look back when 'normal' again). And being stationary talking to people is fine....exercise tends to make me be this way..but, I exercise to keep my 'lungs' alive/working and muster through!

All money raised from this day is going to the hospital's appeal for a new MRI scanner. The overall goal is to raise £1.5 million to purchase a state of the art scanner and having this will mean that all patients, regardless of their state of health, will benefit from this technology. The scanner will be used for diagnosis and treatment as well as research into heart and lung failure. So far over £1 million has been raised and how wondeful is that.

The day consisted of various things from children's races; fancy dress; aerobics warm up before the run with Shakin Stevens starting the race; Bollywood dancing; team tug of war; and other fun activities/trophy awards/raffle prizes.

And here I am with Shakin' Stevens :)

In this photo:- left to right is David (whose son had a heart transplant), Rich, and Tim (both transplantees aswell).

I just love this piccie left to right:- Rich, Anne, Tim, Alan, Jill and I all still alive by generous people who signed the Organ Donor Register and gave us a 'second' chance to live.

Ok spot me in the crowd....actually the only warm I did was talking!! lol

And here I am with Rich who I ran the mile with (another double-lung transplantee of approx 14months).

Many various stalls were there on the day and I had a good nosey about :)

What I didn't capture was the torrential rain that happened about lunch time and I was actually quite grateful that I and the hundreds running did so before the outburst. However, some people did do 'laps' and were completely soaked through. It was great also that not only did I catch up with friends/staff at the hospital that a couple of my family came along too, Beverley and Roy. My parents were going to join - but my Dad is poorly at mo..so Dad, get well soon!! xx

Well...thats almost a wrap.....with a sneaky pub get together before I went home and I captured us all having a roast. However.....I was late and missed out on a roast as I had a healthy burger cheese and ketchup at Harefield...or was it the lettuce and tomato that made it healthy ;)

The day is a huge event to organise and Desiree Zimmerman who works as a fundraiser for Harefield puts this together - so well done!

Here is the link for the hospital if you would like to find out more information Harefield Hospital

Other news......I think I may have mentioned that I am in the process of writing my life bio about LAM disease, and my transplant. Or, if I haven't in any other blog write ups - I am and it is a raw and lengthy process and somewhat challenging. However, I DO feel ready to do this and chapter all my life.

Ok...time to say chow until the next blog. Much love as always and keep smiling everyone xx

Clipper Race Start

2011-08-02T13:44:00.001-07:00

Welcome lovely people. I have realised that there are 'newbies' who have come across my blog and it's hard to summarise a lifetime of my journey in a few words....but I'm sure you will be able to play catch up ;)

You will ascertain on the forefront that I am a very positive person living with a long term health condition and living life to the max. I choose to do this and whilst I can...I do not know what is around the corner...and know anything I would like to do..I need to try and do it now. I do have issues 'post' transplant and again I tend not to moan or talk about any of this. Sometimes....if I'm honest I put on a front and just decide to get on with things as opposed to being anything other than happy and smiley. I have wanted to write my autobiography for many years, and I am now in the of process of writing my life-story. This will be my outlet for the truth and nothing but the whole truth....it is a painful and raw process for me. Until then.....watch this space.....

A happy buzzy go get getter that I am and blocking out anything else, so, bearing that in mind I am now involved with the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race that started in July this year. I have needed to go through various sailing training levels (also detailed in my blog) and achieved new sailing RYA qualifications. My role is as a Transplant Ambassador to raise awareness on Organ Donation whilst sailing around part of the world next year.

So.......now about the race start weekend....

Clipper Clipper Clipper....go go go!! Branded, named, tagged, wrist banded for confirmation I AM part of Clipper and have VIP access to the pontoons.

Ready steady lets Race!!!!

After all my training, reality said July 31st 2011 the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race WAS starting, and I definitely wanted to be here to support this. To all the new friends that I have made and to my team Edinburgh Inspiring Capital (EIC). So much buzz all weekend with thousands of people and a lot of media frenzy cameras, film crews, and click click of peoples' phones capturing the moment.

I cannot avoid a photo moment like this and a chance for a thumbs up pose with my new friends from the race start ;)

Oops...however, I am racing ahead of myself...as I actually arrived the night before for the whole weekend ready for 31st, and found myself hanging out the 'Welcome to Yorkshire' (WtY) team. I have made many good friends and Wend (in the photo below thumbs up - definitely one of them). Nevermind Thelma and Louise, its now modernised by Wend and Jussie ;)

The WtY yacht is bright pink and I guess I fitted in with my hair for the night (so mentioned by their skipper, named Rupert)

Also with Sharon in this photo and the 'token' pink sunglasses that cost £1.00 with a shot of some kind of snapps. I just borrowed a pair of sunglasses for this photo and swiftly handed them back to their rightful new owner. (and didn't have a snapps either ;)

And here I am with Chris who I did one of my levels with and his lovely wife, Charis who took this piccie.

Ok.....another 'non' Yorkshire crew member here, with the sweet Joy or Joyful as she is called. I met Joyful staying in a local guesthouse and had many banters over breakfast.

That evening (Friday) followed by all of us going to a party arranged by Clipper in a venue with a band and to meet everyone else. It was great to meet other team crews and some with their family/friends who came along for the weekend. A long day and night and now time for me to get some sleep ready for the fun on Saturday.

Saturday was about final preps of the 10 yachts and a chance to go onto the pontoon and see the teams. Edinburgh Inspiring Capital also had our naming ceremony full with hot haggis, booze, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston making a speech with other Edinburgh representatives including our skipper, Gordon Reid. Followed by canopes and champagne. Quite a nice Saturday afternoon if I don't say so myself :)

And here I am displaying our yacht with pride! Ta - daa!!

Hey check out these kilts....not legs ;) I will also be wearing the same when I get to join my leg next year and wear for promotional/media purposes nearer the time. In the meanwhile...my 'lung' T-shirt got an airing and another chance to raise the profile on organ donation.

Here are some of us Edinburgh girls facing my camera - left to right, me, Holly, Niamh, and Anne.

And another group shot of some of the 'girls' left to right:- Sue, Anne, Holly, me, Catherine, Sarah, TT, then Karen and Lesley (front row).

Capturing the moment with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Edinburgh representatives and some of the EIC crew about to embark on leg 1.

I like this photo and for no other other reason added it into my blog ;)

And here is Sir Robin Knox-Johnston again proudly speaking for our naming ceremony of our yacht.

All the yachts lined up......not for too much longer.......

After a busy afternoon, I decided to take some 'me' time and go for a walk in Southampton city centre and have a little rest. The evening was a meal out with my some of the team crew, and I must have eaten for 2 people (well it felt that way). An amazing restaurant, great food and fab to chat away with my new friends.....and wishing well for those starting the race on Sunday. We tried to hurry up the meal as 10pm was fast approaching and Clipper were arranging fireworks!

Sunday July 31st - Race Start Day!

So after a busy day Saturday, some sleep...the real buzz was for today, the actual race start. All training done........crew and yachts ready, time to support the main event. I must admit I had butterflies in my stomach and felt quite emotional to see this happen as reality says in 10 months it will be me saying farewell for about 2 months. Then returning back to a mass of 1000's of people welcoming us all back to England.

There are many photos from this day and some with friends as below...enjoy :)

Below I am with Shona from LondonDerry

Yes....this man really is this tall (with stilts)....

And team members of EIC strutting their funky stuff in their kilts ;)

Barry and Nick

Here with Lesley

And here I am with Holly

The main stage surrounded by thousands of people in the crowds, where bands performed and later each yacht with their teams/skipper made a stage debut.

And if any doubt.....fancy being a tin of sardines??...no room to move, the crowds so deep!!

Then occasionally the main screen would switch and show the crowds...Woo!! Such an electric atmosphere really hard to describe, but, hopefully my photos depict what I felt/saw and the ambience of the day.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

And the EIC crew making their mark on the stage

Deep breath in and stretch....some random chick doing some kinda yoga exercise and making use of the space around her ;)

The time has come to wave each yacht away from the marina to make their way to the starting point of the race start at sea. Each yacht has a song that represents them and was played LOUD and hummed throughout the atsmosphere, as mooring ropes were released one yacht at a time. Our Yatch EIC played, Heather Small-Proud which you can watch and listen to the inspirational tune (click on the highlighted Heather Small - Proud).

It's a truly fabulous as this song also represents the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Quite appropriate I think :)

Seeing all the yachts depart...meant also a swift move for me and some friends to make our way onto a boat to then go out to sea and watch the yachts get to their starting point. To watch some of the race before returning back to emptiness..and no people...no buzz.......the warmth now cold as all the activity now at sea!

Now follows some more photos with a brief description of the duration at sea.

Here I am with Wend on board a spectator boat holding champagne..I swear..I have no idea how that got into my hand ;)

All boats, yachts were to stay behind the HMS Illustrious pictured in the photo below, large enough for everyone to see! Amazing to be watching the activity start....

Peering my head over to try and get a shot of all the yachts in the distance.

Woohoo got a couple close ups of two yachts neck and neck

And here is EIC getting going :)

Caught in a breeze with Catherine and Sarah

Hows that for close up action, Derry-Londonderry sailing past the spectator boat that I was on.

I waved and looked at the reaction I got back ;)

In the captain's quarter below, and with Adam Tuffnell who organised one of the spectator boats for the race start. I simply went to say hello and next thing I knew, my voice was being aired and questions asked about my leg/my transplant for all to hear. As I left the area and returned on deck ........ an applause by all....wow.

And now for the professional photos, taken from the Clipper 11-12 website

Clipper's photos at sea are fantastic and capture the whole scene together...if only I was in a helicopter taking the photos ;)

So...that's it! The race has started!!!! I fly out to New York end May 2012 - to start my leg early June and sail 4,000 miles at sea thereafter.......

Oh and a quick update with the Olympic Torch nominations...Woohoo!! I've been shortlisted - wow!! ( I found out by email 8/11/11). And bizarely from all the nominations I recieved, it was my Dad's that got me through and I am very grateful to all who did nominate me!!

Dear Justine Laymond,
Congratulations! As you know, Barry Laymond nominated you to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer through our ‘Moment to shine’ campaign.We are delighted to let you know that you have made it through to the next stage of the process. The nomination provided will be reviewed by one of our 12 regional selection panels. They will be looking for 2,012 individuals with the most inspirational stories of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community.If successful, you will be offered a place as one of the 8,000 Torchbearers needed in total for the Olympic Torch Relay, joining those chosen through our Presenting Partners' public nomination campaigns.

And now I will find out in December if I am one of the lucky ones. Whatever the outcome, I feel very blessed/humble that my story has been recognised and even if I get no further it is still an achievement to get this far. There are many wonderful inspirational people and whoever does get to carry the torch will be very worthy.

I could carry on talking...but I will save that for another blog update on news another time.

I would just like to end on wishing a dear friend of mine Rachey Wakefield a speedy recovery who is so very poorly at the moment (also a double-lung transplantee) and having a rough time with her health.

Keep smiling everyone and be grateful for each breathe you take xx

Ahoy Sailor !

2011-07-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

Level 3

Yippy!!!! Above is my home when I get to compete in my leg at sea next year. Welcome to the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital yacht!! Doesn't it look kool - you would never believe the luxury inside - double beds/mod cons/ensuites/state of the art kitchen/lounge quarters and a 50' flat screen TV............hold up! You believe that? Well for about 2months all will be back to basics - no mod cons, no luxury, no privacy and that is the first challenge. I do like to pamper and look and feel good, but no time for makeup/hair/nice clothes. All about being practical and being part of a team and helping each other to win!!!!!!

I have now completed all my courses, and this blog will detail my last 2 training courses, that I did back to back (wish I had a break but only dates I could do inbetween all my other commitments/transplant games). And, in a way I thought would be good as give me a feel for a longer duration at sea and a reality for what is to come. I normally blog day by day and managed to make notes in my notebook for level 3...so that format will follow. However, level 4........hahahahahaha..if only...wait until I write about that...

What do you think of my strategically placed Henri Lloyd shoes under this Clipper logo....you would never know I am an artist? Oh, and if you didn't know - I am! Another story for another time.......

So, let the fun begin level 3 crew:- (left to right) Antonio, Lynn, Richard, Anne, Jami and me in this opening scene 'welcome to our lounge' :)

I actually arrived the night before and glad I did as driving tires me out and wanted to be on form ready for my 1st week at sea. This week was to go over all that has been learnt over levels 1 and 2 and to be ready to do a mini race against the other 10 Clipper yachts ready for level 4. I got to meet some great people (have done on every level) and people that I will be racing against too when the race actually starts. Friends for now...enemies when racing and friends again when Edinburgh Inspiring Capital wins ;) x

Hey, don't we look sexy in our sailing gear! Yes, I know your jealous...left to right in this photo:- Kate, Tom 1, Anne, Me, Tom 2, Antonio, Richard, Steve, John, and Jami.

The first night was a safety training de-brief then pub!! hahaha. I didn't sleep much but loved my Gauss sleeping bag (minus the thermal layer). Having had 2 different sleeping bags over the previous levels....it didn't take me long to realise I needed the real thing for comfort and warmth, only took me 2 failed attempts to get it right. Better late than never ;)

The next day (Saturday) more de-briefing then ready to sail for the morning and stay at sea. Plenty of drills and then to a watch system 6 hours day then switching to a 4 hour night watch system. The main sail up as below and check the beauty of the blue sky :)

Check out all our beaming smiles as we chill - sailing like this is bliss....not always this way (level 4 was not the case, and you will need to read on to find out).

I still manage to get my 'pink' in and that is my only glamour on board.

Night watch is actually very hard - just trying to keep awake! You do eventually adjust but it can take a few days for your body to get used to a watch system. There are many challenges with sailing not just the back to basics, but lack of sleep and mentally being strong to deal with this, people skills and sea sickness, and other things. Unfortunately, quite a few people on this level was attacked by the green monster. I was lying in my sling (well it isnt much..lol) and thinking how confident I was feeling NOT being sick and how I could boast about this here in my blog. After 4 hours, and time to get on deck for night watch duty....eek....erkkk....oops.....crikey...I'm running for the heads (toilets) and both were being used......I managed to shout out LOUD "hurry up"!!!!!!!! Needless to say.....the green monster greeted me with helllllooooooo - and gotya!! After that...the rest of the week I was fine, phew.

The next day, was as an engineer role but I must state that after a while at sea/watch systems...I had no concept for day/times. As engineer I needed check the engine with Jami and also check the bilges in the yacht to remove any excess water, and log entries. There was a leak from one of the heads - and the smell...........cripes!!! You don't need know need that...

Anyways, check out breakfast in the morning a lovely start to the day, and nice when the sea behaves. Many meals I have had with added waves seasoning my food with salt!! Coffee and salt water, cornish pasties with baked beans and salty waves - hmmmm......Jamie Oliver there's a new recipe for you :) But, you get so hungry and eat anything and lots of carbohydrate based foods with rice/pasta.

Think it is Monday now......and lack of sleep really starting to get to me, and feeling like utter crap and having to get on deck for 4am-8am. There is no air below deck and trying to sleep in intense heat is a mare, and I think I never actually slept in my sleeping as so hot below..but had the comfort of lying ontop of it.

Ok now welcome to a selection of gallery photos with a little description.......some chick on the coffee grinder :)

Jami demonstrating some dish cloth skills in the galley.......urm...ok ;)

Giving chase to another yacht....

I just love this photo - so had to share it here, do you like how I managed to capture a yacht in the horizon ;)

Eek!! 45' angle all harnessed in, but, deep down exciting!!!

And for any doubt below deck the crew swinging about like monkeys.....you would think we were all drunk as no one was able to stand up straight!!

I really enjoy capturing shots like this as night falling and how amazing to be at sea.

The last 2 days of sailing took us across the English Channel to France, Guernsey and surrounding Channel Islands, and finally to Alderney where we moored up and escaped to a local pub with other level 3's training. We actually moored onto a buoy and got a water taxi to land...lol....all in the fun. I had a shower too whilst there (and that IS luxury)!

Again, sleep - what's that? I can't remember what day it was (think maybe last but one day), but I woke up early for mother watch duty and felt totally de-energised and unable to do anything. No sleep all week having had an effect on me. I think I crashed out on/off after feeling shakey for hours and knew I had to snap out of feeling like this and get ready to be 'mother'. Somehow I did and my adrenalin keeps me alive and going through tough times like this.

The last day was to sail back to Gosport and the sea changed with massive waves and the yacht was at an angle and again we were all harnessed above deck. So after my lack of sleep, feeling unwell for a few hours from this and being mother for the crew. I also had a great fall down below....I went to get biscuits for the crew and then the yacht tilted the opposite way and I was left swaying down below and I was hanging on for dear life to the area where the food was. I knew if I let go I would fall into a wall the other side. I screamed out for someone to help me...no one was about just then and the others sleeping off watch. I did fall and hit the wall then amazingly then fell back the other way straight on my back onto the floor. The sound/impact stirred a couple of people and one actually witnessed my fall as I screamed out, and said it was good!! Haha...humour never lost when in pain. I think I was a little dazed but wanted to get up and back on deck as being below when rocky makes me feel sick. So, I was like help me up..feeling tender and looking forward to a large bruise all down my body, smiled, laughed and brought the biscuits on deck finally!

Smiley me here, but no idea what day this was taken..hahaha, as said days just disappear into the sea. But, a it's wrap for level 3 and I now have 1 night to rest and get ready for it all to start again the next day........

Level 4

No notes no time to write anything down...just memories and photos..so please sit back and enjoy my last edition to sailing training. This week was to sail with our Skipper in the race, Gordon Reid and some of my actual crew (though not necessarily doing the same leg as me). Also to do more drills and an actual race with all the other Clipper yachts. Plenty of night sailing/watch systems and blocked heads...ewwwww!!!

The first few days were like a dream - gorgeous sunny weather calm seas and paradise blue skies. A pace somewhat more relaxed than level 3 and secretly quite relieved as still trying to catch up from lack of sleep/exhaustion.

Here we are having giggles with Robyn, me, Alan and Tom...it's important to have laughs and a plenty we did :)

Part of the drills were a session in knots.....oops....I went into mini panic thinking can I remember all of them, and we were in our watch teams competing against each other. Thankfully, I got them right except some took longer to do than others. And Gordon (skipper) then checked every knot and helped those still unsure. It was a good exercise, fun, but with a serious undertone as it's important to be able to do knots correctly!

One of the days involved a photo shoot to be used for promotional materials for Clipper 11-12. It was supposed to be the week prior (not sure why it didn't happen then). However, I wasn't complaining....a media blitz..love it! We were to wait for a helicopter to come and take photos of all the 10 yachts then do individual yacht shots. A formation was needed to be done and the skipper showed us the layout and which order we needed to be in. It seemed like hours we waited so we all simply laid down on the high side with our feet hanging over. Eyes closed trying to get 5 mins catch up, then Gordon said helicopter is here and everyone bolted up! No helicopter..bah, so we all lied down again and shut eyes. "helicopter is here" Gordon shouts again...we all wake up again only to see no helicopter. This must have gone on for about 30-40 mins and I think Gordon enjoyed seeing us snooze then wake us up...jokes!

However, the helicopter DID arrive and photos were taken, then time to set sail and carry on with the day.

Quite exciting to see all of the other yachts........

In the photo below is Steve (Professor of Transplantation Surgery), who set up the Transplant Ambassador scheme with Darius (transplant surgeon) and TT (transplant co-ordinator) having a chilled down time moment.

Here is also the link if anyone would like to help me give back Transplant Ambassador Fundraising Page

Thanks xx

No one wants there to be injury, man over board, sinking yacht...but, it is important to re-emphasize safety drills over and over again. A feature that has strongly dominated across each level. Level 4 was no exception and I was the apparent 'unconscious' casualty on the bow and needed to be safely moved and put below deck. The crew needed to work out the best way to do this and incase injury how to carry me...and here I am strapped in a hospital bunk and tied with ropes. Apologies as I couldn't help laughing and talking at this time and many other followed and laughed telling me I was the worst 'unconscious' person ;)

Supporting crew (left to right) Callum, Lynn, TT, Nick, Justin, Steve and Pru.

A serious exercise, but one that was exectuted extremely well and I felt very safe and was maneuvered perfectly below. I hope this never happens to anyone - but, I feel confident as a team we can do this. I did manage a 'thumbs up' and smile below falling unconscious again.....

Sheer bliss here enjoying the sun.....blue seas.......

Here I am and also getting ready to flake a sail (sitting down) and waiting to be crushed once the sail has been flaked into a sail bag. Tip....great way to get a flat tummy quick or a case of breathe in!!!

Nick, TT, Pru and I having a thinking moment.......

I have mentioned how glorious the weather/seas have been so far.....but that all changed the day after the photo shoot. I was actually quite poorly for 2 days - not eating and being sick for that duration! The sea/weather changed to a force 8 and I found myself really struggling to cope. No photos were taken then - no sight or sound from me......quiet as a mouse. I felt so 'unme' and didn't like how I felt. I wasn't the one affected and out of a 19 crew (including skipper who wasn't sick) 16 were sick at some point!! Only a few of us were so bad that we couldnt get on deck for watch duties and were bed bound (including me). What a shock......reminding me on my days bed bound in hospital. I felt so ill that I couldn't even move..barely talk..couldn't eat and needed to go to the toilet, but, frustrated as not able to get up. Sadly, throwing up everywhere (sorry if you are eating..hahaha whilst reading this) and given a bucket - that became my best friend.

I ended up on one occassion throwing up my immuno-suppressants that keep me alive and got so worried. Thankfully, for me I had a few transplant doctors onboard who gave me advice and kept checking I was ok. I won't lie I hit such a low and thought I can't do this and became so upset. And thought that I need to be removed - airlifted to be precise (go out in style) and get to hospital for some ivs and rest. I remember before leaving for these courses my Mum saying if it gets bad to go and look after my health. I thought I would be letting everyone down and gutted.

However.......I am not a quitter...I AM a fighter!!!!!! I have endured so much in my life and this is just another case of overcoming mental attitude over health. I am pleased to say, I turned a corner.......managed to get out of my bunk...made the toilet..hahaha...and get on deck! After, almost 2 days of no noise from me...I finally felt..woohooooo ALIVE again and back to laughing and joking. The crew were glad to "have ME back" so I was told :)

Even though this happened..in a way I'm glad it did and I know sailing won't always be easy and I needed to experience the roughness...to know the real challenges that lie infront of me. The only way I can describe it as a bizarre parrallel is that to my 15 lung collapses. Each lung collapse was traumatic and so painful ......but after each one I knew what to expect..how to cope..how to tolerate the pain...how to mentally focus and stay alive. Being sea sick is no way the same as having a lung collapse but if I can get through them - then if I get ill again at sea...I will know how to cope....tolerate..mentally focus and get through it!!

Through the lows...will be high times...and I captured this amazing sunset after being unwell, makes it worth it and all I can is, "breath-taking".

Well, that's almost a wrap..time to get back to Gosport for another deep clean and time to get back to reality.

And welcome to the chaos of all 10 yachts having a deep clean stripping all below and cleaning which takes a few hours.

I have now finished all my training for Clipper 11-12 and have 10 months until I do my leg at sea. I can't believe it - I've done it. I have achieved what I thought the impossible and feel confident I can sail around part of the world and be a transplant ambassador in the process. I have made so many wonderful new friends..had so many laughs...struggled at times.....overcome sea-sickness, shed some tears and what a journey.....

I am a sailor!!!!

But, the real journey is yet to happen next year. I cannot sign off without actually saying none of this would have been possible without my gift of 'lungs' from my donor. And, I actually was at sea for my 5th transplant anniversary and on that day, July 9th......

I had moments where I just looked into the sea and smiled to myself, thought and thanked my donor and captured like a camera every moment and said,

"WOW"

xxxxx

World Transplant Games'11

2011-06-24T12:39:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 15th

Well here I am (above) and the ultimate photo to express five years since my double-lung transplant and perservance with my training. The build up to arriving early in Sweden was a night of no sleep and buzzing with nerves/all sorts of emotions...and like 'wow' it's really happening!
These are my first world games and it is really difficult to summarise all the feelings from the overall trip...but tears, smiles, laughter, happiness, nerves, new friends, more tears, hugs, love, support, energy, electric atmosphere......so read on and hear all about it.

Transplantation is not possible unless we get a prescious gift like from the gorgeous Tiarka Marie Hampton. I became friends with her mother, Sandra who I was in contact with prior to the games and I will talk more about Tiarka and Sandra later in my blog.

All was going good until arriving at the hotel, and they had my parents registered but not me until two days later!! It's a long story of mixed communication from hotel and travel company and errors made, but it got sorted in the end. I said unless you want me to sleep in the Reception....lol. Not the start I imagined and a little on-edge, tried to re-focus and enjoy the times ahead.

We all finally got to eat a meal about 9.30/10pm with Kaylee who also had arrived early and then bedtime it was. I have to say, that I never slept most nights (an on-going issue post transplant) but, after competing in my sports (from the competitions) I slept like a ton weight - Bliss.

Thursday 16th

Woohoooo!!! Excited for today as prior to coming to Sweden I posted on Facebook anyone arriving early and would like to meet to message me. So, here I was going to meet people from USA, South Africa, Canada, Sweden, Australia for the first time! I have been friends with lots people across the globe for many years and as UK has a selection process for the World Games I haven't been able to meet my friends until now. Lots of messages, texts and finalising plans and here we all are enjoying burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe (means to say salads and protein for us athletes ;)

On left side: Marie, me, Holly, Jen, Alice and Chris. On right side: Jenny, Kim, Sandra, Jas, Kaylee.

Friday 17th

Sweden welcomes:- Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Ghana, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay! Over 50 countries competing in this year's world games. With over 1,800 transplantee athletes.

Even though we all stayed across Gothenberg in different hotels, all lunch and evening meals were in one room. And here are all the nations in one room eating and a great way to make new friends whilst tucking into swedish food.

The games officially started the next day, but later this evening there was a UK party with a British theme. So...let's get the party started...woop woop woohoo!!

Here I am with friends Sandra (from Canada, who I stayed with on holiday there last year), and also Scotty and Luke two Australian hotties (I'm sure they won't object to that term).

The real winner tonight was Dino as Captain Britain - awesome outfit.....off off and away!!

It was a great evening and good to meet more of Team GB and celebrate our 1st night togther.

Saturday 18th

Today is the main day for the opening parade whereby all countries parade through the streets of Gothenburg, raising awareness that we are here thanks to our transplants! The weather started off blissfully sunny and I went round taking photos as you will see below. Just aswell, as then the heavens opened and it rained and rained...ponchos on, umbrellas up and lets get this parade started! I have been to opening parades before for both the UK & European Heart/Lung Transplant Games..but nothing prepared me for the scale of people/atmsophere for over 50 countries...wow!

Also a frenzy of exchanging pins happened to each other from various countries, and my denim jacket now is mostly of worldwide pins than a jacket. It was a great way also to get chatting to people and what a unique buzz. Amazing!!

Some of us UK athletes from left, Andy. Craig, Joe, Sarah and me.

The one and only chap from Tunisia.

The team manager from Sudan

I already knew some of the Norwegian team and other transplantees from Europe from last years European heart/lung games, so it was good to see these friends again.

Tadaa!! I really love this photo (below) as for me it really embodies the world games and meeting people from so many countries/cultures. This would never have happened without my transplant and training. So happy to be here and be alive :)

Woohooo!!

Guess you can see, that I was really getting into the vibe today - and even when the rain came down......smiles and cheers as we walked through Gothenburg. And a happy Maggie caught me taking a photo.

Then we all walked into a closed arena whereby each country grouped together and supporters (above arena). Music was played as we all entered in alphabetical order country by country. I couldnt help but dance my way through and cheer...WOW...electrifying and buzzing atmosphere.

Once everyone was in.....a stage show commenced of dance acts, speeches (quite emotional words) and a special band singing.......Captain Captain Captain of the ship.........urm.......this song will stay with me and some say when I do my sailing venture next year, I will be captain of the ship...lol, as if! Although, it was really wierd to watch, two long haired guitarists and an opera style singer with long blonde hair...with a young chorus of men/women in navy uniform - bizarre! Followed by a solo of the guitarist saying a 'short piece' that went on for ages!! After his emotional start and somewhat lovemaking to his guitar...it was actually truly amazing.

If you would like to hear the tune I found this link on You Tube......

Captain of the Ship You Tube video

Sunday 19th

Today was badminton training and I'm glad I went to practice and check the venue - as after 2 hills and 2 steep staircases to get there..I nearly never made it! I was actually outa puff doing this and became quite breathless...not a good start. Eventually, I was informed that when I compete a taxi would be available for me and a few others with other issues doing this challenging trek. And, I was sooooo relieved to hear this and very grateful...phew...

After 2 hours being there and getting some practice in - I was well and truly shattered. I also had the best night sleep since arriving. I tend only to sleep when I'm completely exhausted...oh well...more exercise for me then ;)

The evenings found me crashing early about 10-10.30 pm so felt fresh and re-vitalised ready to compete. I intended to save a 'late' night until all my sporting events were over as I am a party girl at heart. Most of the socialising was actually where I staying along with the rest of Team GB. Here I am with Tashi from Bhutang (far right) and then a chap from Nepal (with hat) and another athlete from Iran.

Monday 20th

Here it is.....competition day!! Eek!!! It seemed ages away from when first recieved my letter of selection months and months to wait, and now here I am about to start my 1st event, that of Squash. Feeling slightly nervous and apprenhensive and a long coach ride to get to venue.
Time to get my Grrrrrr on......well actually I wouldn't hurt a fly but wanted to get psyched up!

And here I am with my parents - love you :)

I tell ya, I played many games and the ones played with Claire nearly saw the end of me. Truly exhausted, breathless, and neither of us scoring any points for ages. Was a case of 0-0 and we both looked at each other and I'm sure I can vouch for Claire...we were both like....oh boy this is guna be a longggggggggggggg game!!! And it was!! Smiling at the end of the match...but it was a close call for ages, but Clare nipped me to that silver......well done Claire

And to proove squash was exhausting, here I am with another competitor, Irene (from Australia) semi -passed out on the floor..I went down, and Irene shortly joined me..lol. But, trust my Dad to capture the moment ;)

Actually, you may recall me saying at the start of my blog about, tears.....well I had a tear session after playing with Irene. I was so frustrated about getting breathless and even though I don't have full lung function I know I do all the sports that are the hardest on me (insane I know, but I enjoy them). I guess my tears were due to the fact, that I know if I had more puff I could give it more and do better. I sat on the floor trying to be discreet and no chance..lol.

Red blubber face..I gathered myself together and washed my eyes ready for next match. Game on!

Woohoo all Team GB squash champions.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze squash champs as above.

Tuesday 21st

Today is the day for badminton mixed double and ladies doubles....many games....many competitors...many countries.

Oh but before I go on with the badminton, this photo (below) is from a lady Michelle who contacted me via Twitter asking if I would like to be filmed for a documentary on Organ Donation (in USA). Michelle had no problem locating me in the 'meal' room with my red hair and shortly after introductions I was being filmed.

Back to badminton again.....and here I am all happy smiles with Ian my mixed badminton partner.

The Swiss ladies gave us a good game as below with Jill as my ladies doubles partner in badminton.

Jill and I actually won bronze after competing with many various teams. Bronze a bling bling..then it was taken away..as not enough medals (however, 2 days later we got the medals)..u tease Gothenberg!!

I played some games with ladies from Iran (not pictured in this photo below). I initally sat on my own on a bench and suddenly found myself surrounded by a group of Iranians. Only one of the girls, Maryam spoke good English and she was telling me that they all were kidney transplantees except for one who is a liver transplantee. And that heart/lungs need to be done in another country. They were very sweet to me and tried to speak some English, and they also taught me some Iranian. I think they were impressed as I was able to repeat what they said quite well :)

Walking the green mile to get the bronze ;)

The badminton champs :)

This trophy was made and has everyone's names, including supporters and my Dad had just seen his and Mum's! Fab!

Wednesday 22nd

Well this is it, last day of events that being the 100m sprint! I have to be honest I really needed a day to rest, and was quite exhausted from squash and badminton the days before. I was still focused however and had the thinking of Grrrrr again...lol

At the track here (with Kaylee, Laura and Craig), before I was told to get into the sprint lanes ready for my heat in the 100m. If I made a qualifying time with the best of 2 heats - I would make the finals, gulp. Fingers crossed.

SOOoooooo, on your marks, get set. GO!!!!!!! See me in the red (3rd from left) really going for it with all my puff.

I couldn't believe it that I actually made the finals and here I am in 1st lane (far right) giving it more puff. But, I actually sprinted slower - due to exhaustion and lungs getting the better of me now :(

But, it was still an achievement to make the finals and in my heat I sprinted just under 18 seconds (quicker than last year) so a PB (personal best) and proud with that. In my training, prior to the games I managed to actually do the 100m in 17.4 seconds. Shame, I wasn't able to repeat that.

Here I am with Scotty, Glen, Sandra and Irene (all from Australia). The games also welcome donor families and living donors (who donated their own organs) to come along. As I mentioned earlier in my blog I have been in contact with Sandra prior to Sweden (wearing white top in photo) as a donor family. I have been touched by Sandra's story whose daughter died in a car crash and she consented for her organs to be used to save other people's lives. Sandra is a great support to those also recieving the gift of life and a real party spirit to all she meets.

I asked Sandra if she could kindly mention some words about her experience/what happened as below....

"Tiarka Marie Hampton was 7 weeks off turning 20 years old, when returning home after a work function in Perth they were involved in a 5 car pile up at 5.30 pm 5th September 2004 (Fathersday) in Australia.... Tiarka was a beautiful fun loving enjoyed life to the fullest. love sports of all kinds, socializing as young people do. after being airlifted to hospital, where I was informed that she had Brain injuries & might not come out of it. I though she was strong & if there was a chance she would come home to me & her father Peter & brothers. Kyle now 25 & Jarryd now 23. But when I first looked at her with all the injuries she received broken bones not many weren't there wasn't a mark on her face, I knew then that she wasn't coming home. with all her family & friends around we got to the donating of Organs which I had alread said to the dr about but now everyone was there & 24 or so hours later after all rest had been done. we were told what was going to happen, signed all the forms ect. So on the late evening of September 7th we gave the '"GIFT OF LIFE " to 4 people. A Man mid -late 50's from Western Australia received her HEART. A Ladymid -late 50's from Western Australia received her LIVER & a man & Lady mid - late 50's received her KIDNEYS which went over to the Eastern States of Australia. I havent had the chance to meet any of her tx but after becoming involved with Transplant Australia & attending the national & World games I do beleive it was the right thing to do. I am now involved with Transplant Australia as Donor Family Delegate & Transplant Tx Rep for the country area of Western Australia."

I am truly touched by this and the donor families are a big part of our journey...much respect to you Sandra and all other families that consent to organ donation after loosing loved ones and to living donors.

Thanks Dad for capturing this piccie with me and the trophy - beaming with my 2 bronze medals from my 1st world games!!

All my events were now over and early nights every night.....but, tonight, I thought I AM going out and will have a blast even though was still shattered.

Thursday 23rd

Can you believe it - the last day...ohhhhhhhhh!! It seemed like forever for me to compete, and now it's all over except for one more day of athletics and the final gala party to say goodbye to everyone (and party hard)!! But, we needed capture Team GB before we all party :)

And once done.........hear about this, not only is it fun to exchange different country pins at the start of the games (and during) to get talking to new people across the globe. BUT..to also exchange kit. I was informed of this and thought quite bizarre and told how difficult it is to get any team kit from the Australian athletes. Secretly that was a personal mission of mine to achieve ;) Jussie on a mission.....

Most of the exchanging of kit is done on the last day at the track, like a manic market! People coming along showing their kit and trying to barter with each other. A man from Uraguay trying to exchange his team jacket..then more people trying to haggle clothing. What a buzz! I knew what I wanted a team USA top, South African top, something from a Far Eastern countries and anything from Australia!

So with that in mind...I ended up with a USA team top+tracksuit bottoms; a Hong Kong jacket+tracksuit bottoms; Iranian T-shirt; South African team top; Australian jacket/team top and Aussie hat (Crocodile Dundee style). I needed another suitcase for all this wardrobe attire! I only exchanged my jacket and 2 polo tops that came with the team kit, my squash top then my Union Jack handbag & sunglasses; red t-shirt (saying 'Go Jussie'). I also had a "I'd give you One" (re: organ donation) and gave this away to a young South African girl who also had a transplant. I became friends with her mother earlier in the week and knew it was her Birthday too, so was happy to give that and some British 'Lovehearts' sweets.

I had quite a few laughs with Robyn from South Africa as she was after a top I had (now she is wearing in the photo below). I did want the South African top - but also wanted to see if there was any other clothing I could acquire ..... But, Robyn was not going to let me go and said would change infront of people in the lunch tent to get my top! Low and behold Robyn attempted to take her top off and put mine on (I was wearing my own clothes...so didn't need strip).

And here Robyn is getting a helping hand removing her top.......I laughed so much!!

The lovely Irene that I shared a room with also at the track on the last day :)

One Union Jack handbag for a full Hong Kong team kit (and I also gave her my red Jussie T-shirt). Happy days, good bargaining. Oh, I made sure all swaps I did were of clothing that fitted me, as I will wear the kit back home. The only thing I didn't get was a bandana from Japan...so if anyone has got and doesn't mind sending to me please....woohoo!! Holla, as I would be so happy to get one of those!! xx

Hanging out with the chaps from Bhutang and Nepal again.

Lynne (the Team Manager for Team GB) and I with some of the lovely South Africans.

After the closing ceremony.....the night was only just starting and I hung out with some girls from USA, then went to a Swedish bar/club whereby loads more people joined us later from various countries. Really time to let my hair down and dance the night away. I didn't want to leave as was having so much fun and totally loving the music. I knew I had an early flight the next day...so about 3am thought best leave and be ready for my start at 7am!
Here are the last few party shots in the club....woohoo!!!!

And thats a wrap folks. Happy memories...simply breathtaking and an experience I will never forget. Also, that was my last sprinting and perhaps squash too (for the games - due to my breathlessness). However, I am going to take up new sports for next year's British Games:- discus, javelin and shot put and still keep with my badminton (that are gentler on my lovely lungs).

Time to return home to the UK, rest up and get ready for 2 weeks worth of my final sailing training for the Clipper 11-12 Race (but my leg at sea, being next year).

Much love as always xx

Redddddy 1-13

2011-06-08T21:29:00.001-07:00

Hey up everyone, it's me...last blog before I depart for Gothenburg in Sweden next week and I decided to have a quick, fun, 1-13 points on my thoughts/feelings/other re: my first ever World Transplant Games.

So...are you ready? Here we go ..Oh and if no particular order.........

1) Nervous - eek!

2) Super excited - woo!

3) Proud to be part of Team GB

4) Competing in 100m sprint, squash, badminton mixed+ladies doubles

5) Can't wait to meet other transplantees from across the world - especially those who have been speaking with for years (or recently) via the internet/social nerworking sites

6) Packing..Ahhhhhh....check lists/post-tick notes everywhere!!

7) Happy parents coming too to support me :)

8) Hope to win medal (s) or even GOLD!?

9) But, realise even if I don't - still humbled to have been selected & will do my extreme best when in Sweden. Also......I am already a WINNER - as alive

10) What sport means the most to me? My 100m sprint!! I did achieve Gold in the 100m sprint in the UK Transplant Games in 2010 after trying for 4 years to run faster than the kidney girls! A friend, Fran helped me with my training for couple years, then sadly got a new job and wasn't able to continue. My sprint training came to a standstill and I was gutted that I wouldn't be able to find a new sprint coach, and may have to drop the 100m. In the 11th hour and just 5months before these World Games...a sprint coach called, Brian MacKenzie has been fantastic in helping me with technique/training. It's not just about run and go...lol. Also, sprinting is really hard on my lungs and even that short burst makes me breathless for quite some time to regain 'normal' breathing again. Hence, why if I do well at the World Games standard I will be over the moon (also I guess in my other sports of course too). Even, if I get just a PB (personal best) and sprint faster than last year.

11) A BIG shout out to all of you who send me emails,messages on social sites,texts,calls etc and also from friends/family for constantly supporting me. LOVE u all for this very much. It means a lot to me and I appreciate it always!! xx

12) My donor made this possible for me - seriously if you aren't a donor yet...please...you know what I'm guna say...so just do it :)

13) Finally, just to also thank the many people who have nominated me to be an Olympic Torch carrier for the Olympic Games 2012. There are many wonderful and inspiring people from all walks of life and various ages. Whoever the lucky 100 people are - will be well deserved and do the UK very proud. I also know some other of my transplant friends have been nominated too, and I would love to think that at least one transplantee can carry the torch and raise awareness (if not me) and keep Organ Donation in people's minds.

Ok waffle over

Much love as always and whatever happens in Sweden........will be the BEST experience ever I'm sure!

Chow 4 now xx

Team GB Go Go! and Bree

2011-05-23T10:23:00.001-07:00

Transplantion is a gift, an extension on life. It is not a cure and complications/side effects from medications can occur. My life is one with a positive attitude through days which maybe harder than others. I live my life and love every day I wake up and still alive. Sometimes, my breathing may be an issue - but I keep going and get on with it! I do what I can and as best as I can.
Sadly, along the way friends loose their battle post transplant with either rejection or further complications after catching a virus for example. We know on the onset these things may happen as immuno-suppressed, but, as I've always said and those who know me well now. I believe I will be the longest living 'blue-rinse' granny double-lung transplantee ;)

So, this brings me onto the gorgeous Bree as in this photo. Bree and I were internet friends for many years through our illnesses, then I got my transplant. Bree kept wishing she would too and I promised her she would get her lungs and on 07/08/09 she did! :)

I travelled to Canada last October (where Bree lives) and made sure we met whilst there. Our silly, giggly times were real and not just online chat or Facebook messages. It was lovely to meet Bree finally and have an awesome inspiring time together. Now Bree has now gone to be with the angels, just under 2 years since her 'gift' due to a viral neurological infection which took her sight and now recently her life. Very sad indeed......

However....please still be inspired for as tragic as this is - transplantation is still a wonderful thing, as gives people like Bree and I extra time on life, that without, I simply wouldn't be typing now to you all. Also, why I continue to raise awareness on the importance of Organ Donation - as seriously you don't need your organs when your body is at rest. And registering online takes a few minutes and goes on to save the future of others - like it did mine. To register click here Register Thank you xx

There are also some people who live for many many years post transplant - there is no rule - no A-Z guidebook, and everyone is different. I would like to mention some friends in this blog who are also part of Team GB and achieving well post their transplants (further down into my write up)

Here we all are as, Team GB going to the World Transplant Games 17th-24th June 2011 in Gothenburg, Sweden for the 18th World Transplant Games. Can you spot me in the photo ;)

"The Summer World Transplant Games take place every two years where over 1500 athletes representing some 69 countries compete at an extraordinarily high level. Many however just come to enjoy taking part at their own pace and welcome the opportunity to meet with other transplant recipients in an atmosphere of fun and friendship" (taken from the WTGF website)
The World Transplant Games Federation is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

On Sunday 22nd May, there was our last Team GB meeting and an early alarm wake up 5.15am was set. My friend, Jason would be collecting me at 6am for a 2.5 hour drive to get to the destination for more training too. Here I am ready for badminton. My events run over 3 consecutive days in Sweden and no doubt I will be shattered after. Just will be needing some R&R (rest & relaxation after). Nevermind, the fact soon after I get home, I have 2 final sailing courses for my Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race. And, I will miss the British Transplant Games this year, shortly after the sailing courses finish....as I need say 'NO' and give my body a chance to chill :)

Me saying 'No' to something is unheard of, but, I am trying to learn to say this and have time for me and my precious lungs x

After some hours of playing badminton, we had the last meeting and learnt that 130 transplant athletes were part of Team GB (including the junior athletes) representing our Country in a variety of sports ranging from:- Badminton, Bowling, Cycling, Golf, Road Race, Squash, Swimming, Track & Field, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball and so on!

Quick lunch pit stop, then team photo in our Team GB outside in the sun, and ding dong!! Round 2 of more training. Time for some Squash tips from the reigning champ, Ami. I have to admit I was exhausted and knew I wouldn't be able to do much but mustered on for maybe another 30mins or so until I knew I had to stop.

Shower and then homeward bound and for the countdown to commence until we are in Sweden....

OOps how did this get here, a sneaky peek at me at my local sports track ;)

Ok here are some other athletes from left to right:- Jade, Lisa, Kaylee, Me, and Emma.
Now carry on reading and be inspired :)

Jade
Transplant type: Heart
Years Post Transplant: 14 years
Reason for Transplant: born with dilated cardiomyopathy
Sports entering in World Games: badminton singles & mixed, 100m sprint, ball throw, long jump and 4 x 100 relay race.

Lisa
Transplant type: Double Lungs & Heart
Years Post Transplant: 18 years
Reason for Transplant: Cystic Fibrosis
Sports entering: Badminton & Tennis

Kaylee
Transplant Type: Heart
Years Post Transplant: 24 years
Reason for Transplant: Cardiomyopathy
Sports entering: 100, 200m sprint, Badminton singles, 10 Pin Bowling & Long Jump
Kaylee had her transplant at just 5months old, and is the longest surviving heart recipient in the UK!

Justine (me)
Transplant type: Double-Lungs
Years Post Transplant: 5 years this July!
Reason for Transplant: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
Sports entering: 100m sprint, Badminton mixed doubles & Badminton ladies doubles & Squash

Emma
Transplant type: Heart
Years Post Transplant: 9 years
Reason for Transplant: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Sports entering: 100m, 200m, 50m freestyle swim, long jump & maybe relay race

More athletes Andy on left and Kez on the right.

Andy

Transplant Type: Heart

Years Post Transplant: 4.5 years
Reason for Transplant: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Sports entering: Long jump, High Jump, Squash & 10 Pin Bowling

Some red head -but you already know about her ;)

Kez

Transplant Type: Heart

Years Post Transplant: 3 years

Reason for Transplant: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Sports entering: Discus, Shot-Put, Javelin & 10 Pin Bowling

I also asked my friends if there was anything like they would like to add and it basically mirrors all I live for, and that their donor is very much loved and we are grateful to these donors. We are all proud to be part of Team GB and happy for support from family, friends and all of you's!!

Onto some good news, after returning home today, I recieved a letter saying that I have been selected to be a Sports Ambassador in my Borough and to make 'Personal Appearances' within this role. I feel very honoured and humbled and hope to inspire others with illnesses, disabilities, and awaiting transplants.

So there we go... R.I.P my dear friend Bree and let us all continue to grow strong, be inspired, be positive and treat every day as a truly beautiful thing. Do not take life for granted - and do something good today - tell people about the 'Gift of Life'

Thanks and happy smiles to each of you, and for the continuous support you give me xx

Crew Allocation Day

2011-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today's headlines as follows in photo below........

WOOHOOOooooooo!!!!

This is it! The day we get to find out our crew, skipper, yacht, and let the fun begin! I arrived the night before and met up with various people met so far from level 1, 2 and 3 theory for a yummy meal in Ocean Village.

Do you recognise any of these faces? Are they in your team? Adrian, Cath and crazy moi in middle (top photo) and Sarah, Shona, Paddy, Lesley, Catherine, Chris and then me (bottom photo)

Morning Saturday 30th April...wakey wakey Clipper dudes and dudettes......this is the view greeting us all, paparrazi and more face shot photos required for the Clipper 11-12 website.

Still time to relax before the main meeting and have a coffee with Wendy, Ollie and Wend

352 participants in this room - more people than any of the other years attending a crew allocation day and still not all the people taking part in the race! A 10am punctual start and time to learn more news about the race and hear words of advice from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. The start of the race is July 31st and will be from somewhere in the Solent - still to be confirmed exactely where. Then to meet the skippers and for them to read the names of who are in their teams. Woo!! I am with a skipper named, Gordon Reid on yacht CV1. With a crew of 49 people doing 1 or more leg (s) of the race and with 8 of those doing the complete race!!! Brave souls indeedy.

I also learnt more about the leg that I'm doing and will be away for about 2 months approx in total (including time at ports) from end May to June & July 2012. I will no doubt miss the European Heart & Lung Transplant Games which normally fall about this time over the Summer - which was a commitment I was prepared to take. The games are in Holland, and ironically - I will be sailing there....I wonder if the dates will be when the actual games take place, then I could say hello to all my friends across Europe/UK too and maybe enter a 100m sprint ;)

And here are some of as Transplant Ambassadors:- Nick, Steve, me, John, TT and Darius ranging from transplant surgeons, transplant co-ordinator and transplant recipients.
I think the word is getting out and about us, and of the 500 people taking part in the Round the World Yacht race, there is a minority of us - seeking to raise awareness of Organ Donation (about 10 within this group) and about half of those actual transplant recipients. But, me being the only double-lungs. Bit surreal for me still, breathing with someone else's lungs, but hope my donor is proud of me.

Once we were informed of our skipper/team, we were all grouped together to hear from Gordon (skipper) about his background, crew roles, pre-race schedule, working out a boat song, boat dynamics and rules, and much much more.
After the meeting at the luxurious De Vere Hotel in Southampton, coaches were taken to Ocean Village to have group photos of our team/skipper - then an overall photo of everyone with some of the yachts there. ELECTRIC - was the atmosphere...cheering...clapping..so many smiles...and the banter had already started.......

Here I am with Callum, TT and Nick as part of CV1 waiting for a coach.

Onlookers had come to support us all - and probably thinking hundreds of crazy people about to embark on sailing around the world, I wish I had the bottle to do that - brave individuals.

And lovely to see Sir Robin Knox-Johnston overlooking on the balcony supporting the new bunch of Clipper 11-12 crew. If he can do it - then so can we!!

And here is the Skipper, Gordon - and 2 crew members on our 'Winning' Team to be!!!

A mass of red coats, buzzing ambience and chants - but, don't worry you other teams. CV1 is proud to already announce that the trophy have our name engraved....we just got wait a whole year to get it!!

Oh and before I sign out to yet another entry....a big shout out to those (who WILL know who they are) who said have read my blogs but never commented or tick 'like' on the Facebook Clipper 11-12 Group. But.....in a space of almost 5 minutes about 4 people said to me...."Oh...your the lung chick...I've seen your photos....I recognise you from your red hair...I know about you"...it did make me smile and chuckle. I'm pleased to know that even though sometimes people may never say anything...that secretly my blog is read. But...you can tick 'like' or comment or request to add me ;)

I still have level 3 practical to do and level 4 - both back to back in July. But, for now as some of you are aware...I'm competing in my 1st ever World Transplant Games in Sweden next month and need keep training for that - eek.

Okies....time for me to say goodbye for now. Loved the weekend, it totally rocked! And fantastic to meet so many new people. Bring it ON!!!

Happy smiles and much love for now

CV1 champions
OVER xx

Day Skipper

2011-04-21T07:38:00.001-07:00

Aye Aye Captain

Its official......when you have the Clipper 11-12 jacket, as demonstrated by a certain red-head in the photo below ;)

Well...so the Clipper story continues, and this time away from the sea - dry land ahead!! A five day theory based course with 2 exams on the last day. To learn all about the roles of a Day Skipper such as :- safety, chartwork, tides-tidal streams-ocean currents, meteorology, visual aids to navigation, international rules for preventing collisions at sea and much much more!

It sounds easy...but certainly was not!

The day began at 9am and finished about 6pm, time for dinner - do a work out (well, that was my intention to keep up my training for the World Transplant Games in July), then do the homework set and revise! Phew

Here, I am looking all studious and smiley on different days....but the real 'me' was actually a stressed, panicky, fear of not being able to pick up all the information crammed in - in what felt like an extremely intense course. There were various levels of intelligence...hahaha..and mind being least so - just not getting all this chart work marlarky. Like another language and no amount of teaching was going to get through to me. I really wanted to socialise with the rest of the group, but felt I needed to re - read all we were taught after each lesson and keep reading my navigation book and the day skipper book given on the course. Also from going over anything I just didnt understand and keep re-doing until I did. Our teacher was very kind, and I expressed to him how I was struggling and couldnt figure out some of the answers and asked for extra help. I really wanted to do well and almost every night was up to about midnight. On the 4th day, exhausted would be an understatement. My brain was fried and I think I was going into overdrive. One night, I had dinner and my body was so tense - I just couldnt relax and unwind...and silly to say, but was close to tears a few times over this week. Well, I decided to socialise and go out for dinner with the group the night before the exams, and was the best thing I could have done! Change of scenery from being in a classroom or in my room revising and charts all over the floor and books everywhere in a small space. Giggles, yummy foods and fresh air - all helped to ease the little stress head I had made myself become with panic over the intensity of learning a new subject.

However...I did still stay up and revise to midnight, the night before the exams - then absolutely flake out!!

I did try to train one day during the week - along the seafront and go for a run. I was out for maybe 30 mins in the heat and trying to run on the pebbled beach. It was very tough, but, good to get some sea air. Have you ever tried running on pebbles?? I think I started then quickly stopped after like a minute - outa breathe and kicking stones - not ideal..hahaha. I am NOT a runner by no means and can't run continuous anyways due to my lung function. It reminded me of the Bupa Great South Run I did in 2009 - running a few mins, walking a few mins and repeating the whole distance ....but I did do it :)

I felt bad not exercising much as normally I would try do so 5 x week in my various disciplines, and when you stop you loose some of what you have achieved to date. But...I just gave up of trying to train - I needed to get my mind set into this course and put the work in as much as was required for me - to pass!!

And here we have some of the lovelies also doing the Day Skipper course:- from left to right:- Barrie, Lesley, Richard, Pete, Tim & Patrick

The same crew - this time with Vanessa making an appearance. There was also another lady called, Lora - but somehow not in the pic (maybe because she was absorbed into a pint of guiness ;)

So, as I said I was a goody two shoes revising most nights until midnight and had the night before the exams out at a nice Tapas Restaurant. Oh....but, I forgot to mention (or maybe I didn't want to mention)...a homemade lasagna experience cooked by Sam - another chap in Clipper doing his Day Skipper Practical, with Wend (met from Level 1) and others on this course on their yacht one night. I am the Queen lasagna maker - FACT!! No one has ever made a lasagna as good as me - ever!! I enjoyed the banter and sat and ate thinking this is pretty good..even more so, being made with soya mince. Ok..so, Sam.....Lasagana WAR it is! And anyone else..think they can match me - bring it on! I still think I am the best....hahahahahaha.

One of the new yachts for the race - pretty kool - eh!.....and some red head yet again managed to be snap shot into the background. She creeps up everywhere .........

It was lovely also how the weather was stunning and hot and below I am trying on the Clipper 11-12 jacket - not knowing that Rich was actually taking piccies of me before I said to take a photo. But a natural photo - so thought worth posting :)

SOoooooooooooooooooooo...EXAM day! Well, I was at the point, what will be will be and nothing more I can do. I had spoken to my Dad and so very stressed and just thought I can only do my best now. Wend had told me, that you do get a 'Eureka' moment, when it all clicks. That hadn't happened to me at all during the week. Oh well.

Exam 1, general questions based and Exam 2 - the chartwork paper (eek).

Hallelujah.........Eureka...Woohoo moment has hit the Miss J Laymond on day 5 exam day, and things really DID all come together and make sense, and I found that I could do the chartwork even if a slow mo.

And I passed both exams - such a relief - I can't tell you! So a happy me and a happy everyone, as the whole group passed. So, we all had lunch sitting in the sunshine before my drive back, and the rest of the group going onto do their Level 3 practical.

And thats it...for now. About 6 weeks until I'm competing in Sweden with other transplantees and then in July 2 more practical sailing courses...then the race begins.

Stay happy everyone and much love for now...I will end on......

Day 'theory' Skipper Jussie happy happy

OVER

Clipper Level 2 Training

2011-03-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

Woohooooooo!!! Ninja Jussie..Queen of the world ;)

Friday 25th Feb

Interesting start to the week ahead as I was coming out in a cold, and really didn't feel well at all. So, was dosing up on cold/flu capsules hoping for a miracle. Driving down to Gosport took forever as a 'Starbucks' pit-stop on the motorway tempted me in (and a cheeky slice of cake). Upon arrival, I still felt poorly and after a little rest, shower...decided just to go out for dinner then sleep. I met up with Nick (from Level 1) and also met Luke and Adrian other chaps part of the Clipper 11-12 and had a lush pub grub then back to the B&B.

Popped some more capsules along with my transplant meds and hoping to wake up feeling better the next day.

Saturday 26th Feb

Today was a course on Radar ...how to read, use the radar machine and so on. Quite technical, but made more sense doing - than actually reading the manual we are sent out before each level's training. I must admit though, each manual does seem like a foreign language and I panic...gulp. But, after doing level 1 and then re-reading the manual again, things did seem easier to understand. I knew that would be the case too - for the week's training on level 2.

So...course now over and time to make my claim for the sleeping quarters on the Clipper 68 foot yacht.....lower bunk past the galley. And an amazing carpet with sails to fall onto in the early hours. Check out the luxury...really back to basics - but you do get used to it - and sharing a floating hotel with up to 20 people. This time, I was sharing with 14 people in total (incl. Skipper, Scott and 1st mate, Flavio).

Also, thankfully my cold was drying out - phew :)

Its a small space to move about and walk all over sails on the floor...balance a must! But, once onboard the yacht you do get used to the living quarters.

I must admit I was quite suprised to learn that no 'watch' system would happen on this level - and that we would get a night's sleep. Level 2 was more technical to learn sailing procedures. Pleasantly quite happy to hear....not going to grumble ;)

Thumbs up all round.

Sunday 27th Feb

Today's sailing started with a hailstone fenzy followed by rain..I actually enjoyed the foul weather. However, I may not be saying that when in gale force winds.....waves crashing over the yacht in rough seas and feeling sick (hopefully not being so). Not sure if you can see the hailstones falling on the deck..?

I was on 'mother' duty today with Nick to cook all meals and refreshments throughout the day/night. Breakfast was bacon and scrambled eggs; lunch was cup-a-soups with rolls/butter; dinner a medley of sausages with mustard mash and onion gravy. And, if I do say so myself was totally yummy! If you can't cook - you soon learn how too. Luckily, I can and I can tell you - you get so hungry and eat so much fuel type foods. In the real world - I would never eat as much as we do onboard, but, it's amazing how energy is used throughout the day. Not like a day in the office - sitting at a desk!

And here is moi, the galley assistance demonstrating how to hold a loaf and bread and juggle onions.....onboard entertainment whilst prepping food for the crew. It's a thrill a minute, to create your own in-house humour cooking for the mass in a tiny space.

Here I am with Stefan and Callum chilling for a quick bit before time to tack. And craziness after the hail storm followed glorious sunshine!!? The evening was a pub end, infact, most nights ended with a pub ending. Lime and soda's did well from me. Although, I rarely drink...but failed on the last night to a lil glass wine..shhhhh....

Monday 28th Feb

Peace out baby!

A long day at sea today and full of drills.....tacks, man overboard, sails (yankee,staysail,mainsail) up/down..reefs in/out (main sail) and repeat repeat! I even had a go on the coffee grinder...geesh that was a shock...quite tough actually and I'm sure I will get some arm muscles like Arnie soon enough. At times, I found some things quite physically demanding on my lungs and know I don't have as much lung function as everyone else onboard. So, also working within my limitations too - but sheer determination to try as much as I can do. On some occassions I needed help (thanks) but otherwise felt like GRRrrrrrrrrr I can and will do it.

If I'm honest, I do get frustrated sometimes that my lungs are not like 100% - but I DO appreciate I am still here, still breathing, and do more than people who are perfectly well. And, it will be a case finding a 'role' suitable for me when part of my team. By the end of the week, that position came clear to me..where I would be better suited. Although, Obviously happy to help in other areas too - just good I'm starting to realise my own strengths/weaknesses doing the training.

Here we all all flaking the main sail...."Awooma Awooma...Away" thanks to Flavio's chant to help us get the main sail sorted.

Hard work today and tiring - but still loved it.

Ollie and I demonstrating red apples cores for the latest fruit at sea...how to look kool. NB: anyone tell me how I ate mine with just my eyes showing? Send answers on a postcard...

Glad when we got to moor in and have a shower. I haven't commented on the fast dry towel that everyone has. On level 1, I brought along a regular towel and this time thought would get a fancy quick dry towel. Hmmm....like drying yourself on wet cardboard......comes to mind.

Tuesday 1st March
I think I never wrote any notes in my journal for today...so brains gone sparko, so here is a photo instead for today. I really like this pic, as to me it captures a tranquil view at sea and why it is simply stunning being here and being part of the Clipper team.

Wednesday 2nd March

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......wow! Slept like a baby! Exhaustion and physically demands onboard you can't not sleep as the body needs time to unwind. Infact, I sleep better on the yacht than I do at home! But, you should see me in the morning - puffy watery eyes - sunken like a pumkin ;)

A busy hard day at sea, more drills and some great emotions being at an angle of about 40-45 degrees..check out the photos below. We went from East Cowes to Yarmouth today, and guess where the evening took us!?

I really enjoy meeting new people on the training courses, and a great bond is formed and many laughs shared/stories......everybody has their own background why doing Clipper and no1 person is alike.

Things are now starting to make more sense now from Level 1 - and that makes me feel happy.

Scott at the helm and Phil as good as in the sea ;)

Thursday 3rd/Friday 4th March

Both today and Friday was learning about the spinnacle pole/sail up procedures. Quite an amazing thing - seeing a sail as large as a tennis court go up - truly spectacular!

Some dramas along the way.....having the sail go into the sea and then going below deck with a couple other people to take the sail down and fold back away.

Grabbing hold of a wet sail and seeing the whole yacht being swamped with a sail down below. ....geesh. Four of us took on the task to fold the sail back away. I wanted to do this, and was excited at first....then after minutes of constant rolling...my arms ached and the smile disappeared just a tad. And I looked to see how much was left to roll and it seemed like an endless mile..hahaha......like the never ending sail....but good to be part of this mission ;)

Also, a lot to learn and just when you think you have kinda got your head around the other procedures - then this enormous element is thrown in! yikes! Nevermind Man overboard...for me it was/is a case of Mind overboard..lol

Here is:- Phil, Ailsa, Wendy, Shona, and Ollie having a cuppa moment...

And that's almost a wrap...Friday more like a half day as still need deep clean the yacht which takes a few hours. Some grim jobs - but it needs to be done to keep hygiene/cleanliness at a high standard. Then all cleaned up and ready for another pub visit and a hefty pub meal...oh yes please - yum! Oh as to where I think I should be based (as mentioned earlier in my blog) is the snakepit, which I still need to master more. But, that role will be great for me and manageable once A+++ in executing all areas :)

Saturday 5th March

Last day today, based on shore, a Radio course - to which I got 19.5 out of 22 in the exam (like being at school) and now I have a radio licence on it's way........Clipper Clipper Clipper this is Jussie Jussie Jussie..Over.

Sad to say goodbye to everyone...like the same feeling I had after level 1 - but know that whether on my leg/see at ports...friends made for life.

And that's a wrap.......from Janine..Rebecca..Brenda...Doris..!!??? Confused....well wait for next blog installment and I reveal all my 'alter ego's'............apparently ;)

Happy smiles - out xx

The Clipper Adventure Begins....

2011-01-30T07:02:00.001-08:00

Before I start with Clipper - not sure if I informed you all of being selected to represent the UK as Team GB at this year's World Transplant Games (in June,Sweden)? Well....thats more blog news inbetween this news.......exciting times ahead :)

So....how did this Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race come about? Last year, I applied to an advert, and emailed Steve Wigmore (Professor of Transplantation Surgery) who was looking to get a team of transplantees to be part of the Clipper 11-12. I flew to Edinburgh for the initial meeting/interview and to meet David Cusworth (Clipper Recruitment Manager ) and get what felt like a grilling by others. But, never the shy me - went in all smiles and just gave it my best shot. A once in a lifetime opportunity, and I wasn't going to walk away with a 'No...sorry....your not suitable'.

So to the present day - here I am about to embark on my first level's training and feeling all smiley and nervous and like 'WoW..reality it's happening now'. It all fell together at the very last minute and for a while I thought it wouldn't happen due to sponsorship and over Christmas felt very down for this reason. I knew I needed a miracle - and I got it :)

Here I am at the London Boat Show whereby I got to meet the amazing, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Sir Robin is the founder and Chairman of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

I am the first ever double-lung transplantee to be involved in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, both making and creating history - yipes.

I am going to do the last leg (8) which sails from Usa, Canada, Europe, Ireland and back to the UK. This involves,
4,000 miles, 22 days at sea, with 4 races in total. But, I need to complete all my training this year before the race starts.

Friday 21st Jan

A long happy musical drive down to Gosport after saying goodbye to my parents. Not really sure what I have let myself into and full of nerves and excitement. I arrive early evening at a local B&B and a quick walk which leads me to a local pub for dinner. Time to snooze - ready for the adventure.....

Saturday 22nd

Up nice and early - cooked breaky in my tum tum and away I go to find the Clipper offices and marina. Well...lots of bags with clothing, sleeping bags and a crammed office full of people feeling all sorts of emotions like me rock up for the unknown.

There were about 20 of us and the first day was to learn about yacht 1st aid survival, safety and basic sea survival (more would be covered on this on last day). Info overload, but necessary! Then we were split into 2 groups and away we went onto a 60 foot Clipper training yacht and time to live it up onboard with 11 people. We were all going to be trained by Olly (Skipper) and Rich (1st mate).

A quick tour - bed claim and 1st meal with chatting and getting to know each other. My initial reaction was what a great bunch of people and little did I know how much we would bond by the end of the week. I also met, Nick another transplantee (kidney) and great to have a connection as its not easy for people to understand how close to death we both were - to suddenly still be alive and able to fulfil what were once mainly dreams.

Here I am with Level 1 training crew:- Dan, Tim. Nick, Wendy, Dmitri, me, Jim, Steve, Pauli, Cath and James. All smiles and ready to test our mini space bunk style beds/sleeping bags after a dinner of roast chicken/salad/bread.

Bring it on Clipper Big Brother ;)

Sunday 23rd

Quite a learning curve having a tour outside the yatch and learning about all the sails...then as easy as 1,2,3 - out to sea!!

We were split into two watches - Baywatch and Crimewatch...I ended up in Baywatch (no red swimsuit though) and had competitions to see which watch could tack the fastest moving sails back and forth with wind changes. Some people already had sailing experience and for me it was completely from scratch. I did feel very overwhelmed with the amount of information, technical names etc to learn and just did as best as I could.

Today was a tough day for me and by the end I felt physically exhausted. The highlight for me, was when the yacht was on an angle and I sat with the team on the high side with my feet over the edge looking at the view in the distance. I felt quite emotional and it just hits me unexpectedly realising how lucky I am to still be alive to witness this beauty. I could have cried happy tears - but difficult to explain...so just I smiled to myself and drank a cuppa (it's a hard life - eh) x

Can you guess whose feet - Clipper training crew ;)

Ahhhhh..what a cuppa :)

Monday 24th

Living life on a yacht strips away all glamour and it is a case of back to basics. No bath/shower..no makeup...no fancy clothes...no privacy...and toilets (heads). Wet wipes as a shower and suitable clothing was the glamour!

I actually enjoyed this part - even though I do like to pamper and feel good..but a good experience for me to be 'au natural'. At the end of the day - it will be about winning a race and having an amazing experience and thats why I'm here. Anything else can wait! However.....I would be lying to say when arriving at various marina's and having the opportunity to shower, was like O.M.G Lush!!!! :)

When you get to see views like this - it makes it all worthwhile. I'm not saying sailing is easy...it's not......you have to put the hard graft in to reap the rewards.

Today, we sailed from Gosport to Yarmouth in the Isle of Wight and again learnt so much to do with sails, rope knots, wind techniques and so on. Still loving my experience and eventually all end up in a local pub. Many pub games were played led by Tim (supposedly drinking games) and a great social and more bonding with us as a team. A giggly and fun evening and all I will say now is

ZOOM
ZOOM (us Clipper crew will know what I mean) :) xx

Tuesday 25th

Woohoooooo!!! Look at me here hanging over the edge of the yacht trying to get above the spinnacle pole. Actually, I was petrified even though harnessed and my ever fear of heights. But, I thought what the hell I will try what I can. I never got to sit on the pole...nevertheless, it was still an achievement for me.
And felt very shakey and breathless upon returning.

Part of the team's duties is not only to be split into 'watch' groups whereby you work on a shift basis hours on (to look after sailing)/hours off (whereby when not sailing - you sleep). There are also, 'mother' and 'engineer' roles. The mother role is responsible to feed the crew with breakfast, lunch, and dinner and with copious amounts of tea+coffee!! The engineer role to check engine before sailing and other bits.

Today was my mother day with Pauli whilst actually sailing at sea! So breakfast...nice and easy, a display of various cereals/fruit. Then for lunch I buttered about 20 rolls and Pauli filled with turkey,brie, and cranberry. Dinner....hmmm, pasta and red pesto..however I wasn't a very good Mummy.....was down in the galley (kitchen) and the waves were having a little rocky motion. I started to feel a bit queasy..so it was like...get lifejacket on...get back into the cockpit and hope I'm not another victim of the sea sickness lurgy.

Thankfully a sea sickness tablet soon rectified that - I just felt for those who actually were sick and a couple of people felt rough for quite a while. Ok, so maybe a mini 'low' but left Pauli to cook by himself - sorry for my blunder.

The sail we were doing was to get to Brighton - a 12 hour sail turned into a 24 hour sail. And the watch system started after dinner - with 3 hrs on/3 hrs off. Baywatch started and after 3 hours, I tried to sleep - no such luck. Back on deck..barely able to keep my eyes open. All sorts of jokes, games, stories were told - probably best not repeated on here..whats stay on the yacht - stays there and the wind blows into the sea ;). That must have worked as 2 hours passed and I thought only 1 more hour! Then back to sleep for 3 hours - dont think I really slept doing this and quite hard task doing so. However, it is all about setting us up for how things will be and what to expect, and the body will adjust and I will sleep when have the chance..that I know.

Wednesday 26th

Still on the watch system through the night and daytime until we arrived at Brighton about 2pm. This was a real flavour as to what it would be like on a watch rota. I sat in the cockpit dozing and finding it hard to keep awake. I almost felt defeated - but tried to keep my eyes open. This is the reality of it and mustered on I did.

I reckon this must have been the hardest challenge - the mental aspect to keep strong and focused..regardless of all the physical labour to maintain a yacht at sea.

Needless to say...I was happy when Brighton was in view and a shower was on the horizon..lol

The evening was spent off shore at a local pub......funny this sailing lark seems quite fun now ;)

NB: This photo is not from today - we certainly didnt look this fresh and bouncy sailing through the night....just, I thought it was a nice photo ...Tadaaa...Jazz hands...(me, Jim, James).

Thursday 27th

WOOOOOoooeeeee I slept like a trouper last night, exhaustion won me and sleep I did! Rock n Roll baby!!

Check me out at the helm ;)

Here I am with Cath, Tim, Dan, and at the front James...don't know why they are smiling...wasn't exactely a good driver ;)

Today's adventure was to go from Brighton back to Cowes and at sea for approx 8 hours. Urm....and have you ever tried having a wee whilst onboard a rocky yacht.....LOL......don't ask!!!

But, Ohhhhhhhhhh, one of the heads got blocked...ewww. And you really should have been a fly on the wall - all the toilet humour thereafter..best not repeated here. But many laughs from this and even when Tim and Dmitri bravely tried to unblock the heads when back at Cowes Marina.

I totally loved today - such an amazing feeling being at sea.

The evening was another night out - a need for team morale, ok any excuse to get to a pub!

Friday 28th

Check this view out - makes the experience ever more enjoyable and rewarding regardless of hard work and lack of sleep. Simply Stunning!

And for the latest sexy fashion wear - we have our top models from left to right:- me, Wend and Pauli

Last day at sea and time to get back to Gosport for a deep clean taking a few hours inside and out of the yacht. Team work still needed here to take on this huge challenge. But, we did and had time to shower, check out a Clipper 68 foot yacht that we would actually be racing in. Then you guessed it - PUB!! And, no I'm not an alcoholic - but J2o's did make good business from me over this week.

Saturday 29th

I was kinda feeling sad as today was the last day and such a great bond made with amazing people that I have met this week. Already on Facebook, Twitter, email, and number exchanges - whether we cross paths again on more courses or during actual race, definitely fabulous friends for life.

Featured here:- me, Olly (Skipper), Nick, James, and Wend

Well, before I get too soppy - let me finally talk about the sea survival day course. Phew this was a learning curve - firstly how not to swim to safety and how to correctly swim to safety. I was quite anxious stepping off the pool side and falling into deep water with a fully inflated life jacket on. But, it's amazing how quick you return to the surface of the water and remembering to cover airways and keep body warm. Trying then to swim on our backs using arms only to get to the life-raft and get in - like a mound of bodies being thrown in helplessly. Everything needs to be done correctly as it has been known for people to still drown whilst entering face first into a life-raft if a pool of water inside. This was repeated twice whilst buckets of water where being thrown over us...quite scary and I hope this never happens! As cold water - shock - and actually swimming/getting into a life-raft all a mission. But, I'm definitely glad learnt this!!

And that's it!

Sunday 30th

Woke up feeling still drained and a little swaying. Breakfast....then homeward bound. All excited and ready for Level 2 starting 26th Feb. but, in the meantime I still have to train for the World Transplant Games inbetween all Clipper courses and revise everything I've learnt. Also, to be a genius at mastering the various marine knots required onboard a yacht. And the bruises that I have been left with - all part of the experience - thankyou Clipper!! xx

Canada 2010

2010-11-05T14:37:00.001-07:00

The long awaited blog from my trip of a life-time to Canada from October last year, which I started writing in Nov'10. I have been so busy since returning and finally...here it is..happy reading :)

Wednesday 20th

Well this is it!! YippY!! The day I will be flying to Canada :) Last night, was almost impossible to sleep and maybe got a couple hours if that. It was hard saying goodbye to my parents and didn't want to cry, guess they also felt the same. Something, I have yearned to do and concerned about the long flight and how my lungs would cope for this duration. My fear of my lungs collapsing or picking up infection in the plane and getting sick again. However, as my taxi waited - I just hugged my Mum & Dad goodbye and said "behave" to lighten the atmosphere. So, in the taxi and away I go...

I arrived at Heathrow airport with all mixture of emotions, like 'OMG......reality says later today I will be in Toronto, gulp'. But, nothing runs smoothly in reality. My flight was delayed and I was finding it hard to stay awake and relying on coffee's to keep me going. Coffee literally to keep me upright! I was at the airport for 7 hours before we were told, time to board.

However, for the first time in 12 years the pilot informed all of us, that the front tug to remove the wheel on the airplane wasn't able to be released!!?? So, manually a handful of men were trying to elevate this away and another hour I spent cooped up inside the plane!

Argghhhhhhhhh!!! My nerves at this point were all over the place, I just wanted the plane to go and feel that finally I'm on my way to Canada. Waiting for hours and feeling like a zombie and anxious as ever.

"We are ready for take off"...................................... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (pilot announces)

Up up and away...WOW...in the clouds and here I go, gobsmocked, speechless, emotionally overwhelmed, excited.......it's going to happen.....please lungs keep me going until I get there. I was going to arrive early evening, but, now it will be about 11pm and I knew when meeting Sandra, instead of being bubbly I would be a ball of exhaustion. Sandra is a lovely lady, that I have been speaking with over the years via an USA Website-click here for link . The website was set up by, Nelson Freytes for transplantees all over the world and has been a great source of support/networking for me across the globe.

Finally, the plane landed and I met Sandra, and as I expected I could barely string 2 words together..but was greeted with 'Tim Hortons' doughnuts and crashed out at a hotel that night in Toronto.

Goodnight Canada....I'm so excited, but, will look forward to greeting you properly and speaking to my friend properly when I awake...watch out!!!! xx

Thursday 21st
Is this really happening? I am awake in Canada...WOW....early morning and on form to finally have a proper chat with Sandra over breakfast. Today, we discussed plans for the day & night and all systems were a go - go!! First stop going to the CN Tower and taking a lift to the top. However, probably wasn't a good idea going into a lift facing the outside all glass surrounds...saying "I'm scared of heights" think I went blue..hahaha..but was amazing once there. Beautiful views of Toronto city and I even tried walking on the glass floor - where you can look down thousands of feet through your feet!!

It's quite bizarre how media follows me or I get into the media...by which I mean after reaching the bottom of the CN Tower..upon leaving Sandra saw a film crew and a famous TV Breakfast Presenter was there called, Frank Ferragine. So....Jussie did her magic too and got talking to Frank and the camera man, and here is the proof :)

Here I am inside Toronto's famous Art Gallery of Ontario - taking an abstract form - always the artist ;)

I was informed before leaving the UK, that Sandra had a suprise for me......what!!??? It was driving me crazy,hahahahaa.......and that night we arrived outside a theatre, to which my suprise, was to see a show called, 'Wicked'. A truly fantastic show and a great way to end day one :)

After the show, it was time to get back to Muskoka for a couple nights, and experiencing my first snowfall in Canada - a snow blizzard that Sandra unfortunatley had to drive through. But once in Muskoka no snow whatsoever! We arrived at Sandra and Al's home 1.30am and definitely ready to flake.

Friday 22nd

Good morning! I'm ready for more adventures and us girlies went into Gravesend, a lovely scenic part for lunch and lots of photograph opportunities.
What I have noticed is that shopping is nothing like in the UK, whereby our shops are next to each other and for many streets. Here, shops seem to be in a block of maybe 5 shops (always very large stores), then you need drive another long distance to get to another block of for example 5 stores. It is not possible to walk and a car is definitely needed!

The evening was a last minute decision to go to a casino and watch a show. Ooooh how exciting, I have only ever been to a Casino once before (student days) and thought would gamble $20 dollars only. Haha, big spender!! Upon arrival, I was asked for ID, how old was I and the security didnt believe me at first. Guess I was flattered :)

Once inside, I decided to have a wonder in a gift shop, and Sandra met her other friends joining us for the night and telling them about my ID incident. No sooner was Sandra informing them, I came back and got stopped by another security asking for ID! What!! I couldn't believe it, staff there thinking I was like 18 or 21...but I'm like late 30's..LOL. Drama over, and time to watch the performance of a French Canadian singer from Montreal called, Roch Voisine.

Roch Voisine ..... hello handsome...drool, oh, yes - good music too!!

Saturday 23rd

Today was a day I was very much looking forward to, to meet a few people I have been chatting with via the internet/emails. A lovely lady, called Bree who also had a double-lung transplant, and a couple of ladies with LAM disease, Kelly and Beryl. A lot of work has gone into getting all of us to meet and where, time etc and fabulous that reality was about to happen later today.

We all met at a very quaint little restaurant for yummy foods, chat, laughter, and talking heaps. truly wonderful that this happened. After, the meal there was another event to celebrate 'Thanks Giving' with other Canadian transplantees. More food and laughter, chats, and making new friends. Many people have been an inspiration for me - for being years post transplant, and it turned out I was an inspiration for these people, so relatively new with their transplants. I am only 4 years in, but I remember when I had my transplant I met someone also 4 years post, and was like 'wow'. At one point we all sat down in a circle and went round saying a little bit about us/our journeys. Everyone has a different story to tell and it is amazing and truly wonderful to hear how organ donation DOES change lives!

Here we all are - all alive thanks to the gift of life!

That evening, Beryl offered to let Sandra and I stay over at her house, what lovely hospitality and very much appreciated too! Then to wake up to breakfast cereal, followed by tasty scrambled eggs. Then back onto the road for my next pit-stop.....

Got to get in a Tim Hortons photo, their equilavent of our Starbucks!

Sunday 24th
Time to change over and meet Sharon (and her husband Steve) to go onto Niagara Falls - Yippy!!!!! Sharon and I used to run at a weekly ladies running group in the UK, then Sharon imigrated back to Canada. Such a shame to say goodbye to Sandra ,but, we had already discussed perhaps meeting up again before I return to the UK.

So..part 2 of my journey begins and a drive to one of the wonders of the world! Everywhere is a long drive, so sit back and lets go adventure trailing.

Great chat and giggles getting there catching up on all our news, and finally arriving at the most highlighted part of my trip. I first went up into the Skydome to overlook Niagara Falls and yes, take lots of photos. Simply amazing and awe inspiring, words perhaps won't do this feature any justice and photos merely demonstrate the beauty being here. Next, we all walked along the Falls and took a boat ride called, Maid of the Mist. Then we were told, it was the last boat trip into the Falls of the season and the last but one going out!! Wow, how lucky were we all, going and seeing this and dressing up in sexy blue raincoats ;)

I must admit I wasnt sure whether I wanted to go on the boat, and Sharon convinced me that it would be a great experience. I am so grateful I listened, as I was blown away not only from getting soaked, but, by actually going under the Falls. WOWie!!! Again words/photos could never really explain how emotionally amazing and breathtaking it was. At times, I was overwhelmed and delighted that my donor was allowing me to breathe and happy to be here.

How could I not get a photo of me with the Hershey's Choccie feature.

Here are some more photos, which I hope you all enjoy and try to imagine how incredable Niagara Falls really was.

The evening, was a trip to cross the border, with a stop at customs, then into the USA to eat/shop that night, and stay at a hotel. It was a very late night by the time we all had eaten and shopped at Wallmart's.

Monday 25th
The next day we shopped at the Niagara Falls Outlet...a girl needs and must shop!! It was quite nice to be in USA for the day before crossing back again into Canada. I had fun looking at all the designer stores at a ridiculous reduced price compared to Canada and the UK. After a few hours checking out the stores I ended up treating myself to the latest running NIKE trainers, a jumper and one of those stylish 101 ways to wear a garment from DKNY. Yum Yum clothes and shoes = one happy Jussie :)

Now back across the border to Stirling to Sharon and Steve's home out in the lovely piece and quiet. Goodnight world xx

Tuesday 26th
Feeling refreshed for a new day filled with horseriding and badminton ...oh what fun fun!

Here we all are ready to go horseriding with Sharon, Steve, Lisa and I. Then I played some locals at their weekly badminton doubles games in the evening, and won 2 games out of 4. I couldnt carry on after that as was simply exhausted and a lil breathless after all that competing.

Wednesday 27th

Quad biking four wheeling few a few hours of fun today , thru paddles, rocks, woods, hills, bumps

Woohoooooooo!!!! There was no stopping me - I totally loved this, and if I the had opportunity to do this here in the UK...I would be first in line! Adrenalin driving fast (but still had to stick within speed zones) and racing through massive muddy puddles - such a wild kid at heart.

Then back in the evening for Sharon's casserole - yum! Then over to Lisa to meet her hubby, Phillip + kids. The evening was rounded up with an evening walk with Sharon with such wonderful views and memories hard to forget.

Thursday 28th
Question: How much shopping can a girl do in one day? Answer: When her feet hurt from walking ;) and you thought I was going to say, when the money runs out (and that too).

Well, today was a busy day shopping and visiting The Mohawk Territory (The Indian Reserve), Belleville and also designing T-shirts (never any rest for an artist). A real mixed bag type of day too - experiencing another culture in The Indian Reserve and trying on some traditional clothing whilst there. I was also amazed by their drive through 'smoke' shops and like driving through to get a MacDonald's burger. Not that I eat MacD's, but so you get jist - I couldn't get my head around this concept, very bizarre!

Next stop to Belleville, for shops and yummy food pit stop, whereby I indulged in a peanut butter stack cake. WoW...sugar levels through the roof, even for sweet tooth me, I just couldn't handle it!! Haha officially a cake drop-out...after a few more mouthsfuls - I called it quits! Nice, but just way too rich for me.

Whilst out, Lisa bought some blank orange T-shirts for her children for Halloween and asked me if I could design a logo/design on them. How could I say no :)

So with a felt tip marker I drew on some jack-o-lanterns and "BOO" on both backs of the t-shirts. Naturally, I signed my name at the bottom of the orange fabric..hahaha...and I was happy to do so and enjoyed doing this.

So...now for the evening and onto meet a lovely lady named, Micky a cancer survivor. So, inspiring for me to meet and hear other people's journey with health issues. But, I felt so tired and sleepy, maybe even exhausted too from such a busy day. So, the normally bouncy, chatty Jussie turned into a little quiet curled up ball.

During my time in Canada, I have met many wonderful people and sorry if I'm not mentioning everyone, as names may seem meanliness to you. But, for me an important part of my memory, and guess its plenty enough to know I met great lovlies during my vacation.

Goodnight time ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Friday 29th
BANG! BANG! Jussie's shooting!!! But, first another trip to Belleville and shops...hold up, thats no longer interesting....lets get firing Miss Jussie.

Amazing experience and not something I would be able to do in the UK or even have contemplated of even doing. Steve organised this for me and a variety of guns were brought out, bullets, target point, ear-protectors.

The guns were - .357 ruger magnum revolver, shot gun, .22 semi automatic gun and a .22 rifle

Lara Croft and any kind of superhero/women - watch out Jussie the Terminator is on the war path!!!! I was actually scared to use one of the guns due the large force of the pull back and let the experts do this part whilst I watched. The smoke as you can see after the bullet is quite intense and yes...its a loud Bang! This was quite an exhilerating experience - and added to all the rollercoaster of a ride whilst staying in Stirling (Ontario).

In the evening was Phillip's Birthday and we were all invited around for cake :) Another top day and with that time to sleep.

Saturday 30th
Busy day - off to check out Pickering market - to say it was massive, would be an understatement! An indoor market in large warehouses joined together. I have been searching for a Canadian sports top, as I like the style/logos and finally got a great bargain on a bright blue and white T-shirt (for the Maple Leaf Team).

Back at the house and time to get all spooked up, and with a quick turnaround to get ready. Hey check me and the ghouls out ;)

Time to celebrate Halloweeeennnnnnnn!!!!!! The Canadians love their Halloween and it was great to enjoy in the festivities here.

What an amazing house party and fab fancy dress outfits by all who attended. Great Halloween foods - and spooky games played. Even an outdoor quiz and clue games rewarded with chocolate at the end. Over and out for now.......to be continued....

Sunday 31st
A day to chill before going to dinner for a roast meal and all the trimmings, quite yummy indeed. Then for me to house sit giving out candy and crisps to Canadian kids - whilst everyone else went out trick or treating. It was too cold for me, hence happy to give treats out, so many kids approached the door...I daren't say trick...lol. I wasn't guna allow any tricks, and judging by the kids goody bags full to brim - not many neighbours must have done either ;)
Short and sweet entry and a nice breather to carry on into the new next day. What will it bring......

Monday 1st November
All packed up, and time to say farewell to Sharon and Steve, an amazing time and great hospitality for full action packed, fun and chilling out time in their area. Going back to Toronto today for my last few days - to see more of the city before back to home sweet home. I was meeting up with Sandra again for more adventures and last minute eats, and more tours of Toronto.

And, here we go - first stop to catch a ferry to Ward Island - and WOW - amazing views as the ferry left Toronto and all the high rise buildings could be viewed from a distance. Like a postcard snap shot. Quite a blissful day too - slight chill, but the sun shone for me to get some awesome photos! Happy days :)

Then back off the ferry, and time to check out 'The Eaton Centre' a huge shopping complex on many levels. Great architecture on the inside too...I surely could get lost here - shopping and indulging on apples coated in choc,candy,toffee and anything and eveything and sprinkled with all sort of heavenly toppings...MMMmmmm....drool factor!

No rest for the wicked, and now onto dinner 'Green Jeans' for a full on Canadian meal feeling full to the brim - now time to go to the cinema. Still with me? hahaha....

'Hereafter' movie with Matt Damon, which sadly I didnt rate at all and infact thought it was rubbish. A little cheeky episode happened after and somehow ended up watching another movie 'A Funny Story' but left 1/4 way through as quite late, and I was simply exhausted from a long day.

Tuesday 2nd
Today was a busy day visiting the 'Hockey Hall of Fame' followed by lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe for the ultimate burger :)

Here Sandra and I are wearing 'Donate Life' jumpers designed by Holly Werlein who is also actively promoting organ donation/awareness in her country. Holly has a facebook link to advertise the clothing range which is available to purchase click on this link Holdols Transplant Wear

The evening agenda was to devine a heavenly ultimate dessert to the Eaten Centre again at 'Green Jeans'

Calling out all fork lift trucks please - I can't move...require removing from the building - stomach overload!

Wednesday 3rd
Last day In Toronto before returning to the airport - for homeward bound. Aww, I feel quite sad but also I have a feeling of soon I will be home, back to reality and for life to resume where it left off.
Sandra made sure that it was still full on and spent my remaining hours meeting one of her friend's, Karyn who is waiting for a liver transplant. We spent a couple of hours at her home chatting and exchanging stories and I hope Karyn gets her life-saving gift soon.

Then final stop was to meet Sandra's parents and they were truly lovely people. And thats it! OMGosh........next stop the airport :(

When Sandra dropped me off I was actually quite emotional and didn't want to cry. A holiday of a lifetime about to finish. How my lungs were still breathing and no lung collapses, and I did it!!! I am still alive to tell the tale...just got to get home safely..lol

I knew for the return flight it may be worth to try and upgrade if seats available to the next level - not like business class/first as out of my league and had little funds left. I did try enquire on the phone system and it was too much money even for basic upgrade...but worth one more shot checking in. I was greeted by a lovely lady and I was the first to check in. I was still very emotional and the lady may have thought I was mad......as suddenly I got on one. For those who don't know me I just started babbling away and probably didnt stop talking. The helpless look on the lady's face - but nevertheless I just continued saying things like "Wow...love Canada..1st time here..amazing..nearly cried whilst at Niagara Falls..breathtaking.....then briefly said I thought I would never make it from having an illness/transplant......blah blah..back to Wow...Omg...sad to be going home" I'm sure you get the gist...hahaha.

Then the lady said what happened to you - do you mind I ask..so said all I've endured...15 lung collapses, surviving weeks in a coma, having a double-lung transplant..this being a dream trip that never knew if ever would become a reality and I was pretty teary eyed by this time. So emotional..such a mess...lol

I had already paid my last monies left for a mini upgrade - yay! and as I walked away with my new ticket, the lady said, "I have upgraded you again to business class...now go away before you make me cry" I was gobsmacked and thanked her profusely and walked away in shock and couple tears running down my face...... This happens in films - not real life!

I then proceeded to the business class lounge with free food, booze (shame not an alcholic..was help your self), fresh buffet foods, hot meals, snacks, cold foods, any soft drink, infact was like a mini supermarket - and all FREE!! Then free laptops to use with wi-fi, luxury armchairs, the most biggest blingest chandelier I've ever seen. Free newspapers/magazines....I was amazed at how fantastic this really was, and something I could never ever pay anyways in my lifetime. I wanted to ask a posh looking lady and some business man to pinch me (thankfully I didn't). I just ate, smiled, sat in awe until we were called down for boarding.

Boy oh boy.......here was me walking into business class with a bed and first class service WOW! What an amazing end to a simply breathtaking holiday........I could also have had a full cooked brekkie, shower, beauty treatments once landed in the UK...and hope my collection from the airport would be late. No chance...hahaha..I land...phone rings.."I'm here" typical!!

The flight also included a free Elemis overnight beauty kit - amazing choice of food with a menu, and also fed, taken my pills..recline time to sleep for the overnight flight.....

And now here I am dazed, tired, confused I'm back with my parents for an overnight pit-stop before I return to my base.

Thursday 4th

Back in my home....unpacking...washing...uploading photos...reminiscing..still in awe.....WoW WoW WoW and all thanks to my donor who lost his battle, but signed to be an Organ Donor. This wonderful act - saved my life and gave me this opportunity. I love my second chance to still be here, I loved my holiday! Thankyou to all who made it happen, my parents, friends and new friends made for life - your kindness and hospitality will remain close to my heart and I appreciate everything you've done for me.

Until the next blog installement..watch this space.... xx

British Transplant Games

2010-08-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

I'm starting with the necessary link before you read my news. In memory of my friend, Joe Doyle who died waiting for a transplant, leaving behind his wife and adorable 4 children. Gutted is an understatement about how I feel about this, especially as I visited him just 2 weeks before his sad departure to the angels xx

Click here to Save Lives :)

Thursday 19th

Early start today, and ready for my friend Jason to come and collect me and drive us to destination -Bath. A short pit stop..coffee/sandwich and onwards we go. I was quite nervous and excited, another year past and time to catch up with friends made from last year. Also, the fact that I was competing in my first competition this day too. My goal for 2010, was to learn Squash in 6 months and compete at the Games. With the little tuition I've had and self practice....I was told an unrealistic time frame....but you all know me, never say never!!

I have to be honest, this sport I have found the most challenging and making me obviously the most breathless upon already being breathless,haha. But...I just don't care...I just want to keep going and pursuing. I played a few matches and really enjoyed them all. I still feel I have a long way to go to keep up playing tactifully etc. Here I am with Liz showing me how to work out who plays first serve.

And would you believe it....below is me with an actual medal in Squash - bronze medal..woohoo!!!

Photo courtesy of Garvin Besson (of the medal) Thanks.

Also, at the same time the medals were being awarded...Channel 5 News (5 O'Clock) was being aired on a piece about me.

Channel 5 News Link - Watch me here

I filmed this 2 days before I left.....and I hoped it encouraged more people to sign up!!

After collecting my bronze medal in squash, it was a quick turnaround to get ready for the Opening Parade through the city of Bath. Shame..that the weather was an absolute wash out....rain rain and more rain. But, all the hospitals across the UK still got ready for the march with hundreds of umbrellas/rain coats and as many smiles as we all could still muster.

The parade ended up inside Bath Abbey with speeches from representatives of Bath/the Games...and finished with a song written and performed by an artist in aid of the Transplant Games

Friday 20th

Today was a lazy day and I should also say a 'fat' day as all I seemed to do was eat!!

The morning started, with a treat of a cooked breakfast, which was cold and not very appetising at all...bah...

After that, I spent the first part of the day with my mate, Martin with whom I met at the Games last year (heart transplantee).

Walking around the town and

taking lots of photos of lions..which was a special commission..and everywhere we walked...we were like "OH another lion..photo!!". After a while...I actually confessed, that I was 'lioned out' and didn't/couldn't have any more piccies of them ;)

So...walking.....getting soaked also in the rain...stopping for a quick 'Leonardo's' chocolate feast...scoff scoff. Chill time then at Wagamama's Restaurant...more food, then another pit stop for tea..Oh la la.

I was hoping to actually visit the Spa's in Bath...but with the constant on/off rain..and unclear skies, it was a no-go. There is a jacuzzi on a roof top, where you can see the whole of Bath whilst relaxing in the Spa. Next time!! I would to re-visit Bath to go there, and also the infamous Longleat too! (Martin in pic below)

Returning back to Campus..some friends said they were going out for a curry in the evening, and would I like to join. The thought of any more food was just too much to bare. But......I did join intending just to have a snack. Two onion bhaji's later and a chicken tikka masala/lemon rice. Help.....fork-lift truck needed to carry me out/back to campus.

Saturday 21st

A bit of a crazy manic day arriving at the Badminton courts, and no one knowing what time any of their matches would be. I was hungry!! When you eat more the day before, you are always more hungry the next day!! - but, in theory I had enough fuel to feed 2 after my scoffing yesterday.

But, at same time...didn't want to eat incase was about to play. Yet...also didn't want to feel weak from not eating. Oh la la....I decided to eat my sandwich and hope my first game would be much later. Big fat NOOOOoooooo...my name was called out, typical. So sandwiched up and heavy stomach...here we go.

I ended up playing about four matches...one game was so close 14/15. I was running here,there, and everywhere. Puffing in parts - but loving the adrenalin too.

Badminton Doubles......with an end result achieving a Silver Medal :)

Here I am with the Harefield Badminton winners, "Ogi Ogi Ogi...Oi Oi Oi..." :)

In the evening was a group meal with Harefield and St.heliers Hospital teams..70 people approx!! We all bombarded Garfunkels in Bath town centre...mmm...lush food and treated myself to a waffle toffee crunch...yum!! More indulgment...but after all that running about, do you blame me ;)

Sunday 22nd

Well here it is D-Day again..athletics day! Long Jump at 9am, 100m sprint 11.40 am and 200m in the afternoon.

3048 - Hey that's me above with my parents and a couple of friends (including, Fran all in black clothing), who has kindly been helping me with my training. Pushing me when I would say...pleassseeee NO more......but, I'm glad Fran did push me.

So, my first event was very early, admittedly I was quite stressed, having to register and be walked to where the sand part was (health & safety reasons). With about 5 minutes to find a toilet and be back in time. Pah......my first jump was the best and won me a Silver Medal (Yay)..the others were pathetic and got shorter and shorter. I didn't have much recovery time..so a little puffy..perhaps still stressed. But I'm not complaining.......

At the long jump

So a little time off before the 100m sprint race. OOoohhhh tough competition - kidneys and a now a liver girl!! This really is the most important out of all my events that I have been competing in. One that I have never won or even run past any girl that has had a kidney transplant. A dream that I dream of winning Gold, and feeling how fantastic that be....just a dream.

All of us ready at the start...then there is a problem with the gun...my nerves build and build. We are told to go back and wait for the starting gun again. Geesh...........and after maybe 5 minutes back at the line. 'On your marks...get set....BANG!!!!!!! of the Gun'

ROarrrrrrrrr here I am running for dear life, determination to get to the finish and no idea what/who/where anyone else is around me. Puffing and puffing.......YAY over the finish line and told I had WON!!!??? OMG!!! What!! I couldn't get my breath back for absolutely ages and Natalie (our Team Manager) was trying to talk to me/to ask me to do relay race. I just couldn't reply for a bit - soz Nat. I was almost in tears/so emotional...WOW.....and such a close race I was informed.

Apparently, I led to start with, and then all the girls flocked up right behind me...and I escaped by 1 second ahead!! WOW again, so happy and in shock...I Did it...I've DONE it, I've achieved my dream!!! Woohoo!! It has only taken me 4 years of determination and training to achieve this. Sorry if I'm rambling on so much...just this is a BiG deal for me, and if I never achieve gold in the 100m sprint again...I will always stay happy - knowing that once I had my dream fulfilled :)

200m opted out, too exhausted and totally done in from all the other events since Thursday. Infact, it didn't bother me...as in my eyes...I went out with a bang and nothing more I wanted to do or could anyways as shattered beyond belief.

I had the most amazing opportunity to meet with Jason Gardiner, MBE,Patron and Olympic Champion...I briefly told him my story. And he apologised as his eyes welled up....aww

And below is a group shot of 10 medals that I have achieved from both the earlier European Heart & Lung Transplant Games (6), along with these recent British Games (4 medals in total).

The evening was the Gala night - yummy foods, Baileys, dancing..less than 4 hrs kip.... Oh la la....party time it was!!! Always such a great night for everyone to dress up, let their hair down (so to speak), relax & unwind..eat, drink and be merry. A great social atmosphere full of fun and plenty of emotions - saying farewell until we all meet again next year. Not much more to say here, think I have written enough for this phase ;) x

Monday 23rd

Yerrrrr!!!!!!

Home sweet home, konked out 2hrs soon after got back - feeling like a zombie. So, there we have it.....all done and dusted. Another year of transplant games........another year still feeling grateful being alive and breathing. Long may this feeling stay. Good health to all who read this and lots of happy smiles to each of you. xxx

GOLD!! (Norway+Sweden) thrills

2010-07-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

No matter what happens to me...this will always be History/Legacy for me & worth every battle I fought along the way!! Organ Donation IS a wonderful thing!! Not a donor..now's the time to do it, thanks xx

Sign the Organ Donor Register Here

Go Team GB Jussie

All glammed up here, and the photo actually taken from the last night in Sweden (gala night). Here I am proud to be alive and represent GB in the Transplant Games for heart and lung transplantees across Europe.

Friday 25th June

I was up 3.30am, although my alarm was set for 4am....excitement kept me buzzing through my whole day of travels to reach my first destination, Lillehammer in Norway.

For some reason even though I set off in plenty of time to the airport, there was a long queue for baggage drop..and a rush to get to gate 59 in time. I walked past 'Pret a Manger' leaving behind a cafe latte I was desiring and a scrummy sandwich to have on the plane for breaky.

So...hungry and flustered and finally onboard....here I was, all set to GO GO!!

I arrived on Oslo Torp Airport and had a 2 hour wait for my train, then a 4 hour train ride to Lillehammer. To meet up with the lovely Nina (who I met at the Euro games in '08). My first meal was Mexican Tacos - yum!! Then out to walk their dog who is diabetic!! For 45mins around the woods/houses. By 10pm (9pm UK time) I was totally zonked! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Saturday 26th June

Good Morning Norway - Jussie is ready for day 2!

Amazing breaky with fruit, Gubrandsdalsost (caramel cheese), and then onto a museum, Norsk Jern Banemuseum based from the ice age - to modern living today in Norway. Amazing to learn about culture of previous times and see actual people (hired) to live and demonstrate how they lived in schools, farms, houses from rich to poor quarters. An insight from 1800's to 1900's.

Then next to Helvete - Mountain of Hell!

I had no idea what I was letting myself into........all seemed straight forward.....simple...walk down a mountain. Oh nooooooo.....simple to start with with stairs leading the way down with protective barriers. Then, onto the rocks - climbing, balancing on loose stones..large...small....my body formed all shapes to get over each rock. It was a little adventure and fabulous getting to the bottom seeing the waterfalls through the mountain, and getting wet walking over a slippery ladder at one point to explore further higher up.

I have to say, that I was actually exhausted and returning upwards was much harder. Getting breathless in parts and using my hands to climb over all the rocks. I knew what it felt like to be a dog moving about on my hands and knees and even though I struggled in parts, I truly LOVED this experience! AWESOME!! And when I finally reached the top, I recieved my Helvete Certificate "you have survived a return trip to Hell".

Then in the evening, here we are (Nina and I) at a wonderful complex where people can board and view the stunning views of Lillehammer, whilst eating the BEST Thai cuisine. Click on the link below to view this wonderful place, I truly recommend this as a place to stay!

Strand Mountain Lodge

Sunday 27th June

Last day in Lillehammer and then onto Sandvick to stay with Truls and Hilde. But first, they kindly travelled to where I was staying with Nina and Olav, and we all spent the day together. It was non-stop adventure all day :)

1st stop to an art gallery, right up my street with all abstract and funky pieces of art. Then onto an Olympic Museum - detailing history of the sports over the years, which was very interesting. They were also selling medals......my Norwegian friends were offering them to me. The only snag, that they were chocolate! Haha...but I said...no.....want the real things when I get to the Transplant Games.

Then onwards into a cable car up a mountain with breath taking views and back down....a short drive to another destination to have lunch on another mountain top.

Time to rest yet? Oh no, next trip to Olympia Parken:- chair lift and entrance to the ski jump tower and a simulator experience. I tell you what, I have never screamed so much in the simulator experience to that demonstrating a professional ski person and in a Bobsleigh. In comparison, the bobsleigh wasn't that bad.....but I know I could never be a professional skier. I was actually quite frightened, and screaming so much - I was actually crying. I wanted to press the emergency stop button, but, didn't want to ruin it for my friends. However, I practically fell out of the simulator afterwards, feeling rather yellow...and my curly hair somewhat frazzled!! After a while, the shock wore off, and I was ready for my next adrenalin rush ;)

And that was a chair lift to the top of a ski jump tower, and instead of the cable car down, decided to walk all 954 steps to the bottom! But, after all my mountain climbing the day before, my legs were hurting a little and about halfway down, I started limping. Oops....no one could save me, so slowly and exhausted in pain, I made my way down. Many stops to get my breath back too - as all this was tiring on my lungs. Not only that, I was getting shakey leg spasms making it harder to go down each step..what a mess I was,lol. But, I was delighted to finally have "touch down..Jussie has landed".

Nina was filming me (which I was unaware) and we said it could be posted on You Tube, but that people would get bored - and look for a fast forward button, to see me actually walk down the steps quickly and not step, stop, step, stop!

So, shattered and tired, a 2.5 hour journey now to get to Sandvick.....but, I couldn't rest in the car journey, and was non-stop talking..........hahahaa......do I ever really take a breath?

Monday 28th June
My last day in Norway, and to spend the day in Oslo..yippy!! It wasn't quite as successful for a little time, as I fell ill and that was from some food I ate on the day. The downside to taking so many medications, is that some foods may not agree with my body and normally this reacts in me almost immediately.

Putting that aside, I was very happy to finally meet, Thomas a friend I'd never met,but chatted with through Facebook for 3 years, who lived near to Oslo and came out to meet me and Truls for part of the day. We all went to the Opera House for coffee, then a walk around the fortress of Norway..then lunch all together.

Then my 'little blip' and time to wave goodbye to Oslo and rest up, until I felt better again. Within a few hours, I felt better and not wanting to waste any time, went out again! This time, to a large shopping centre to check out the Norwegian fashion......a girl MUST shop!!

Then after that, onto a famous sculptor park - which was pretty kool. You may have noticed that I am wearing a T-Shirt (and Truls) that says, "Cystic Fibrosis..Get if Off Your Chest" and I was wearing this to help raise CF awareness whilst in Norway + Sweden. For an amazing lady, called Lorraine Barnes who does so much for this lung disease, and her two boys also have CF.

CF T-shirt link look here please,thanks

Tuesday 29th June
Woohoooooo!!! Wakey Wakey......time to go to Sweden and travel with the Norwegian Transplant team via coach. I arrived 8am in Oslo and finally arrived in Vaxjo, Sweden at 5pm. Many laughs along the way travelling with all the Norwegians - and thanks for letting me gatecrash your coach ride ;)

It was a long day on the coach and great to finally get to Sweden and meet up with a few other British team members/family/friends and enjoy a chilled meal in our hotel. Bedtime.

Here with new friends made from Norway, Elizabeth (left) and Yina (right).

Wednesday 30th June
Today was the first main day, the Opening Parade of the European Heart & Lung Transplant Games through Vaxjo. A total of 22 European Countries competing :- Belgium, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Romania, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia & Switzerland!!!
Phew......

So off we all took over this little city in Sweden and paraded our own country flags, cheering from the crowds coming out to watch and clap as we past. Such an amazing buzz + atmosphere and hard to describe that in words....but it was electric!! :)

We Rock!!! Great Britain!!

A representative from each of the 22 European Countries on the stage, with their countries flag.

Thursday 1st July

Today a free day for me and a nice stroll around the city Of Vaxjo and a look at the beautiful Cathredral. A little bit of shopping also taking in the glorious rays. Ahhh blissful day - simples :)

Friday 2nd July

Being an athlete is not fun when your alarm wakes you up at 6.25am, I thought I was on a holiday ;) Today, the day of the Badminton doubles and single competitions....oooer. Healthy breaky , shower, sports gear on - thanks to my sponsors at Anglia Inspection Services

I was feeling a combination of nerves, shaking, excitement and all over the place with emotions. I guess a good feeling as its not every day you get to compete like this. I played against women from:- Netherlands, Sweden and Finland. At one point, in badminton doubles my breathing was quite bad...and the opponent said to me, "will your breathing get any better?" I said "no"...then she continued to thrash me - taking gold and leaving me with a still very content - Silver medal.

It was an enjoyable day, and I remember advice from one of my coaches saying...'take your time to get your breath back and do whatever you need to do' (Steve Williams - Squash coach). To which, I had many water 'sip' stops and when it was my turn to serve....I inhaled very deeply quite a few times....to everyone else, it may looked as if I was just focusing..hahaha (yes and no).

And, I got silver in badminton singles :)

Here is the Great Britain badminton team :)

Woohoo!!!

Saturday 3rd July

So, today another "me" day and I had booked myself on a walking tour within the town, and was out for about 2 hours. By the end, I was feeling slightly frazzled by the heat and my curly hair - became a mass of afro sizzling! The weather was amazingly SO HOT and after my walking tour, I returned to my home and completely konked out!!!

I didn't want to do too much after that, as tomorrow was my BIG day for all the main athetics that I was competing in. So, an early night on the agenda......ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

Sunday 4th July

THIS IS IT!!!!!!!!! Yikes....gulp...more nerves...more excitement...deep breath...breathe Jussie breathe ...come on!!!!

Today, I was competing in

100m

100 4xrelay race

400m

long jump

I cannot express really on here, how emotional I was feeling. Every day for me and any transplantee is a bonus and one that I relish. I do not dwell on any doom or getting ill again or rejection (though, I would be lying if I said it didn't frighten me sometimes). But, I do still get blips along the way (especially recently in February...but a fighter I am...and I will always fight to live!!). Yer baby!! :)

All, I have trained and worked up for - this was really it!! Gulp. My first event, was the 100m sprint against 8 other girls. My heart was beating like a zillion miles per hour and on the bang of the gun.......I ran like never before. Determined to do well and I did - wow!! Got a PB (personal best) in my time of 18.07 seconds and that is about 2 seconds faster over the years. Just before, I left for the games, I was able to run this in 18.56. So....I was gobsmacked I sprinted even faster. I came joint 3rd (bronze) with Jan another girl from Great Britain (who had a heart transplant). But, when I go and compete in the British Games in August...I will competing against her...ooooooooHHHhhhhh

It may not seem fast or a big deal to you,but with 60% lung function still - I am well happy with that achievement. I must also stress, it's not all about winning...as I've said many times before...being ALIVE is the real medal!! But, hey.....I'm not complaining getting some bling along the way..tee hee.

400m sprint......geesh this is really hard for me, so I just jogged 300m and Jan actually said to me about then "how are you doing" me "breathless" and I was puffing away as best as I could. Then, I don't know what overcame me as Jan and another girl were ahead of me. I just wanted to give it one last push

ROARrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!! and I pushed my lungs and ran my heart out and lungs and whoshed past Jan to take silver. Flip......inhale....inhale.....breathe.......after a while I was ok again.

Then long jump and I took GOLD!! WOW!! My first ever gold medal in 4 years! Happy days :)

And the relay race team - to which we took Silver.

Thats it...over and exhausted.com was I!! But, no time to chill, as needed to get ready for our last night in Sweden to eat,drink, and be merry!! Woohoo!!

Here I am in a funny shape after one long jump attempt..haha

Bronze in 100m sprint with Jan too

The GB athletics team :)

The GB team with family & friends too, love this group shot of us all :)

And here I am with Jade an overall champ and who had a heart transplant at just the age of 3!!

Monday 5th July

Goodbye Sweden...goodbye heart & lung games (until 2012).
Home sweet Home journey to begin the next set of transplant games...... August (19th-22nd) for all transplantees (not just heart & lungs) that recently competed with - but the kidneys,livers etc... I love them all :)

I hope I haven't bored you all with my lengthly blog....it has taken me weeks to do and choose the best pics to tell the story.....peace,happiness & smiles to everyone. Mucho lovo until the next write up x x x

BOOM!!

2010-06-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Transplant Games Update - The Story so Far

My shortest, quickest, less waffled blog update.....I will not talk much ;)

My double-lung transplant was July 9th 2006.

The UK Games are every year, and the European Games every 2 years.

In 2007 I did my first ever UK - Edinburgh Transplant Games and won nothing..hahaha!!

In 2008 I did both the UK Games - Sheffield and won 1 bronze + European Heart & Lung TX Games -France, whereby I won 3 silvers.

In 2009 for the UK - Coventry Games I won 2 bronze and 1 silver.

So....this year, 2010, I will be competing again for European Heart & Lung Games - Sweden and for the UK Games - Bath. In theory, each year I have achieved and done better. I tend to do better at the Euro Games, as competing against fairer levels, as heart/lungs are not on the same level as smaller organ types transplanted (at the UK Games, such as kidneys,livers,small bowel). I really would like therefore to up my achievements in Sweden and get my first ever Gold, and for the UK to keep up with bronze/silver (Gold for me at the UK, near impossible competing with smaller organs...grrrrr....lol).

Its not about winning, as taking part really IS the achievement and being alive. But, I train hard and like the weight of medals ;) Also for those asking, I am away from end June-beginning July for whistlestop travelling in Norway, then onto Sweden wherby, I will travel with the Norwegian Transplant Team into Sweden. Happy Days. See you all when I get back & will blog update with piccies when I get a free moment. 6 weeks after returning back home - in August the UK Games begin & so will my training again!! x x x

Fun Fun Fun

2010-06-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday 10th June

Okie dokie here I am on this day (as below) red curly locks infront of another art painting of mine. My life is stored with art here,there and everywhere. My flat+my parents home, are both resembling that of galleries! Family/friends have my art work (the lucky ones given a painting or bought -not so lucky ones....hahaha), some under my couch,spare cupboard....parents loft (..aren't parents for storage space....) tee hee and so forth. Oh the days, for all this work to be really discovered and worth a bob or two :)

So excuse my cheesy grin, and now onto other news......
And now unto the Abba part.....hmmm...where do I begin? The Abba Sisters, I first saw them at Bengal Paradise (an Indian restaurant) with my parents on a night out for a curry with them. WOW!! Chicken dansak and a sing-a-long with 2 girls wearing Abba costumes,wigs and dancing/singing sensation! So, totally different, and like nothing I've ever seen before. Both ladies making the audience interact with dancing, singing back into their microphone. Not only singing sweetly but humour within their act, and hearing many a crackles inbetween slurps of drink and mouthfuls of curry/rice.

I was so impressed by them, that stayed in contact and hoped to organise a suprise for them to entertain at my Dad's 70th back in March. To cut a long story short, it never happened, and I wanted to bear them in mind for any future events...or charity events that I may organise on a large scale. However, my parents still in awe like me, and we do like a good gossip...so starting the word, to which we mentioned them to another restaurant called, Nolita's - a yummy Italian style place.

And great news to hear, that Nolita's booked them, and so we all wanted to watch them perform again. I would like emphasize, that the girls are very talented and also perform other acts, please take a look at their website below. Why not check their website, and think if you are able to book them, you won't be disappointed!!!

Sing Out Sisters Website

Here is my Dad (in black) having a boogie with the Abba girls (above) and whoopsie there is me with the chicks (below)

Friday 11th/Saturday 12th

This weekend, was spent in Nottingham for the annual LAM meeting, whereby the few lam ladies that there are (or who can make it) attend this get together for social, fun, and updates on lam disease...drug trials, research, fundraising etc...

I drove up on the Friday night, and decided would join the other lam ladies, family/friends for a meal in the evening. Normally, I'm too tired and thought this year, as I was driving from a location only 2 hours away would be fine. Ha! Typical....I was stuck on the m1 for 4 hours!!!!! And, I only arrived at 6.50pm, and a taxi was collecting everyone from the hotel to dinner at 7pm! Talk about a quick turn around and being extra.tired.com!!!!! But, I still came out, and glad I did to actually spend more time getting to talk with lammies never met before.

The only time, I was quiet.....was as in the photo below......... stick a burger bun in my mouth...YAY...Jussie is silenced!!! ;) and here is what the meal started off as, yummy!!!!

So, finally I crashed about midnight, and woke up from a not-so-good sleep (part of my life now)...breaky done, and time to get to the meeting point. Very informative day and tiredness got the better of me (as usual) so sneaked out to crash in my car for 20mins.

I also brought along some of my art work + jewellery and for 35% of sales to go for LAM Action. Three of my necklaces were sold and a piece of art (and happy it has gone to a good home).

It was such a lovely day, and as said besides the history/updates of LAM, nice to chat with other lammies and give each other hope & encouragement. Then a 3 hour drive for me to get home. Quick service station break on route - coffeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Monday 14th

So today, (Monday), I was invited nearly 1.5 years ago to attend the Birthday party for the Women's Institute as a guest speaker, from being seen at a Rotary Club talk on Lam+Organ Donor Awareness. I must admit, I was quite flattered to be asked to go to an event so far in the future, then for it to be finally upon me! I drove to Clacton-On-Sea to a little village, and went into a hall with about 100 women (just aswell I'm not shy) as they were all my audience!!

Some people say to me, how can I talk to so many people? Or, I couldn't do that...but, I love talking.......if you haven't already noticed, and don't have stage fright so to speak, and enjoy talking to the mass, especially about something so true and close to my heart. Also, knowing that this will help spread the message about what I do & help raise awareness.

Below is my promo table with information on being a donor + Lam, and also photos that show my journey before and after my transplant for the ladies to view.

And if you look closely here, you will see me infront of the curtains with a microphone speaking out. All eyes were on me, at times, I did a little dance..put humour into my talk..to try and deviate from the 'sad' parts that I had to say + were necessary to outline my plight fighting for life. I really don't like mentioning all the hard times, lung collapses, being in a coma etc.....but, necessary to witness how a transplant can transform a person's life. At times, I felt like a comedian.....was heckled a couple of times...loved the banter and replied back to questions asked with a smile.

Afterwards, I was approached on how moving my talk was, and amazed about all I had endured, and people commented on my positive attitude. I was quite overwhelmed, humbled, and plain happy that tonight really DID make a difference. One lady even said, "You are nicer than any celebrity"......I said, "Can I have that in writing please" and we both laughed, though knowing she was being sincere. Guess, I never expected a reaction like that. Also for some people telling me, I won't grumble any more, or even complain about a cold.....

So, another evening done and dusted....drive home now...feeling lil emotional..........

Thanks for reading this.

Next post, hopefully me winning GOLD in Sweden for the European Heart & Lung Transplant Games (June 25th-July 5th)

Big smiles to each of you x x x

Twitter Followers

2010-06-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hey!

Thanks to the inital Duncansdream set up by Duncan Bannatyne, and then after Peterspeople..on Twitter. I have made new followers..and would like to thank you firstly on my blog!

Here I am, a piccie taken on a night out a couple months ago. Just an ordinary woman? Perhaps ....yes, on the outside.....but on the inside - no....so, welcome to my real world!

I'm somewhat random, spontaneous, like laughter - humour makes me smile every day and keeps me buzzing. Probably a little different to most people you may come across on Twitter. Single - but happy, unless a funny handsome man would like to sweep me off my feet...lol

I defy the odds against living with an illness in my system, breathe with someone else's lungs! And almost 4 years, I had a double-lung transplant. I live my life and do everything and more than maybe the average person who simply plods along.

I do all and more, Docs say maybe I can't or may never achieve! I set new boundaries/goals to achieve each year I'm alive. I DO find some things hard, but my determination to succeed pushes me to keep me going. I am stubborn somewhat and sometimes pay for it later, when my body is absolutely exhausted beyond belief. But.....I rest up for aslong as I need to. Then, go with the moto...tomorrow a new day and start again :)

I don't have full lung function even since my transplant, and maybe get breathless sometimes...but as said rest a bit, then off I go again in my own happy world. I do not let anything get me down and live with a very positive attitude!

Grateful to breathe every day - is truly amazing, and something most or all take for granted! I think of my donor every day and hope that person is proud of my last 4 years. Transplantation is NOT a cure, but, an extension for me. I have side effects with my medications now, but just get on with life and don't moan. I may need a kidney transplant too, as the meds eventually affect the kidneys from not working. Rejection may occur, my illness may decide to ravage my new lungs, infections even colds,coughs,chest infections affect me so much and I suffer more than a person who has an immune system. I take lots of meds including immuno-suppressants to help fight for me and keep me tick tick ticking alive :)

I live for today, and don't sit around waiting to do things......I try and set out to travel to new countries, compete in sporting competitions, meet new people - like making new friends, artist, media campaigner, and a little bit insane (in a good way) xx

In a few weeks, I will be going to Sweden to compete against 21 other European countries in the Heart & Lung Transplant Games, then when I return - 6 weeks later in the UK Transplant Games (all organ types). The UK Games, I find more difficult as competing with people, as I call them the kidney girls, who have no breathing issues, and sports no issue. I hope to win medals..hahahaaaa...YES...a little competitive!
But, if I don't...I'm still a winner, as I AM ALIVE!

Well, thats me in a brief outline...so Hello and enjoy being my friend, and likewise I look forward to get to know you too.

Big smiles to each of you. xxxxxx

I ran a Mile!!

2010-05-20T00:31:00.000-07:00

May 2010

Well those who have been following my journey from years back to the present, know that - not only am I determined to succeed in anything told impossible to achieve...but,also pushing the boundaries with my lungs.

Living with Lam in my system and a double-lung transplant still astounds me, how I just keep going and push the realms of transplantation. I could choose to sit around and just breathe, but oh nooooooooo...not me. I know sometimes my parents worry - that I am doing too much, and shouldn't abuse my gift (so to speak). Maybe, they are right?? But, I love life and want to enjoy my 2nd chance. It is not a cure and just an extension, and if I was to die tomorrow.....I would want people to see all I have done the last 4 years to date, and think, "WOW" as opposed to nothing. Again, my choice and sometimes reality does bite me, and I DO have to stop and do get breathless...then know ok ok enough is enough...STOP!!!

The reason for this post is as for over a year now, I have participated in a weekly women's run group and never been able to run a mile continuosly. Some of you are already aware of the Great South Bupa Run I did last year (blog post further down).....and really struggled with this. Jogging a few minutes, walking a few minutes until I got to the end. I did collapse at the end before the finish line, and had two friends helping me and at times propping me up, and waiting until I wasn't breathless and ready to resume again.

Occassionally, I have lost confidence in myself with this run group, as I have never been able to keep up with any other woman, even new beginners pass me by. It's sad, as sometimes I wish I had 100% lung capacity since my transplant, and run like Forest Gump! Sometimes feeling a little teary eyed. I spoke to the coaches, who encouraged me to stay and said didn't want me to leave, and to work within my own ability, and praised me for all my determination. Also, saying that some people with no health issues, do nothing, and that I should be proud of myself.

So with a little pick me up talk, I continued every week with this class, still no better and a year later, still the same.

UNTIL......... Tuesday 18th May, I posted this message on my Facebook Account....

This may not be a big deal for U..BUT for the 1st time in FOUR years,I ran a whole mile continuosly in 15minutes thru struggling at the end!Almost cried with hapi tears on way home xxx
Comment ·LikeUnlike · View feedback (92)Hide feedback (92)

40 others like this.
49 comments

And as you can see, I was overwhelmed with 'likes' and many many comments, some of which I have included here :-

Rebecca Balayance:- Hi Sweety, hey you know U may be right by saying that it's not a 'big' deal, (BUT THATS CUZ THE WORD 'big' DOESNT DO IT JUSTICE :-)). Justine.... IT'S ACTUALLY AN ENOURMOUSLY AMAZING & WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT! You must be so so so happy- well done ;-) I feel privelidged to be part of your friends group so i get to hear these updates - they are so wonderful !!! Good for you my friend - you inspire me .... Becca ♥

Steve Ferkau:- You TOTALLY ROCK, Justine!!! I remember watching your journey while you were sick and getting sicker -- and worrying whether your lungs would EVER come... I remember some of the little incidents that made us all worry even more -- whether you would make it over some of those bumps in your road... Then I remember the celebration when you got your... See more beautiful lungs... And this is a very happy milestone!!! Did you EVER think, when your lungs were collapsing and you were encountering all of those obstacles -- that you would be able to ever run a mile without stopping?!?! I'm so proud of you, and so happy for you... Love, Steve

Gina Lorenzen:- Okay, that's it.....I am trying it tomorrow!
Tuesday at 23:22

Then Followed by another post on my Facebook wall....

Gina Lorenzen:- OK sista txd lammie, you did it now......not to be bested, today I ran 1 mile....the whole way, mind you, not stopping halfway like usual, and crossed the mile mark spitting and snorting. GAH! i forgot my watch, but I did it! so there. (thnx for the inspiration xoxo ; P

So, there you have it......guts,determination, long time in 4 years - but, I finally was able to run a mile just about and continue the whole way. A BIG DEAL for me, and again achieving something that initially I have never done before!

I know you may be aware that I do other sports for the Transplant Games (but, they are more quick burst of energy) and, for the endurance on my lungs - I have always struggled with.

This is another milestone in my life, that I wanted to share with you all. Also, the fact when I told my parents a few days later, Mum gave me the biggest hug,smile ever! That was SO worth it, and thanks to my donor too........hoping my donor can see my progress somewhere from above.

xxxxxx

B4/After NoroVirus + Other News!

2010-03-07T00:54:00.001-08:00

BEFORE and AFTER: Beating NoroVirus

3 weeks after the virus,and my face resumes my "steriod look",geesh how thin did I get being ill again!

March/April
March has already started and now over! Just goes to show how fast my life goes and I need time to actually stop and write my blog. I feel I need work backwards.....into the last couple days of February whereby I spent "time" back in Harefield Hospital. I became very weak, and posted on Facebook this, to which my friends were saying to ring the hospital. Being the "I'm fine, will get well" stubborn lass.....I carried on thinking I'm invincable and no need to ring any hospital. Well, I was soon eating humble pie after loosing so much weight in a couple of days, unable to eat, and the toilet being my best friend. Hmmmmm....something so not right with me!

Lost almost half stone in a few days...look at the before and after photo....NB...it didn't take long to put the lost weight back on, and my face to fill out again. LOL, typical....

My first day/night in hospital nothing was done, to see if I would get better. I think after a food/drink chart was being done, and the fact - sorry for the honesty, I wasn't able to pee pee. Docs soon realised - my kidneys had stopped working too. GULP. No laughing matter!!!! A drug was administered through an IV line for about 6-8 hours to encourage what nature lets us do naturally. Nothing was happening, then, OMG..........niagara falls - eat your heart out! ;)

However, weight was till dropping off, and I wasn't able to eat, and my once King Kong appetite went puff in a flash for days. BAh, more IVS! 15 hours solid to rehydrate and all that jazz.

I haven't really that ill since a very long time. Chest infections, coughs etc, guess part of a low immune-system being post tx. I can deal with those much better (even though I do feel crap at the time-probably more than people with normal immunity/no health issues)..

Welcome to my room as below at the hospital, I was kept restricted and contained as with a bug/virus, so not to cross-contaminate. No one likes to be stuck in 4 walls, but guess I'm a pro at that,after many previous hospital stays for weeks or months like that in past :(

And the ever so charming commode potties, poor nurses had to weigh my pee pee, compared to the ivs I was given, to make sure enough fluids were going through my system,and my kidneys flushing out too!

I left hospital and carried on about my week, still weak, but started to re-gain my love for food. About a week past, and blow me down, I was having a take-two scenario of the virus all over again! My parents were away on holiday, and I didn't want to tell them of my ill patch, as I knew they would fly back. But, this was a trip that had wanted to do - even when my illness was at its worst. I would feel mortified destroying that dream, so just dealt with all this. I will be honest, this whole chapter was a wake up call! I joke and laugh, and say I'm invincable...this proved that one minute I am doing ok, the next I can get very sick again at a drop of a pin.

However, another life used - I'm still here - and I say - Bring it ON!!!

Other News - Rachel Wakefield and Paul Kirsop both have had double-lung transplants, and are doing well. Rachey is still in hospital and recovering with some blips, but that can happen after a transplant. Rachey is a dear friend of mine,who discovered me so to speak in an article from the Breathing Space Magazine. We instantly hit it off, and had many hours on msn,email,texts etc and I met up with Rachey for the first time in 2008. I am thrilled to see this happen to a dear mate.

In Brief - 2 months (gulp) until European Heart & Lung Transplant Games in Sweden, then 6 weeks after that, the British Transplant Games in Bath. Training is going as best as it can, being ill set me back quite a bit, but, I am determined to resume and continue. Also, my goal for this year is to learn Squash and compete at the British Games in August. People who have been following my journey for years, know that each year I am still alive - I set a new challenge to achieve. Last year, was the Bupa Great South 10mile run (never again, was too much - but, I did it)!

Still trying to do more with my art, it's a slow process - but one day, I will be recognised. Hopefully not as 'Justine Laymond, Lam Lung Artist' when my time runs out......I'm sure I will still have years to fulfill this dream/goal!? And get recognition in this lifetime!!!!!! :)

Ok Ok, think I better stop here....will be back also on BBC Essex Radio on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May, for update on my life 11.40am

Ahhhh, and I also need blog about an amazing day in London - meeting actors from the James Bond Movies and a night meeting Gino D'Acampo (Italian chef)...watch this space.....

Thanks for everyone's continual support. Big hugs and smiles all round x x x

MY Birthday part 1 + 2

2010-02-15T13:07:00.001-08:00

February 12th - Part 1

My Birthday and another year alive with new lungs...maybe not so new.. as almost 4 years in my body. The build up for my Birthday, I was counting the weeks, days, hours. Like a little child bouncing around after drinking 5 ribenas and consuming 3 packets of Sherbet dip daps. Super high and zany Jussie on a "I love life" buzz, infact every day like that for me now as still alive and still breathing :)

I was being taking out for the day and I kept guessing where we were going. But had no idea it was to a fabulous restaurant as in the photo, a Thai restaurant called, Yum Yum....and it certainly was yum!

The most deliscious and tasty food with great atmosphere both within and outside the restaurant, hence the need to take photos!! Ahhhhh, but nothing ever runs simply or smoothly especially when, My friend organised how to reach the restaurant by underground - ensuring me that IT was the nearest station and only 1 mile to walk. The weather was pretty bad that day and the rain started to attack, then pour like cats n dogs. My ever so curly hair - was becoming ever so fluffy n frizzy!! And after 20mins, 30 mins...1 mile!!???? HaHa, then I get told its actually 2 miles, but he didn't want to tell me incase I wouldn't walk it. I said where is this restaurant, and was told Stoke Newington (we actually left the underground station at Finsbury park). Surely, there must be a station nearer? And, I said aloud....I bet when we approach the road where we are eating, we will see Stoke Newington Station!?

And what would you believe.....I was right!! After 45 minutes walking in the rain, no brolly, jus a tad soaked through and cold bones..........STOKE NEWINGTON (overground) station popped up and said, helloooooooooo, right infront of us!!!!!!!! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry? Then I reckoned that the restaurant would be like only 2 minutes away from this point.....and yep, you guessed it, it was!? lol

After entering the fancy place where we were going to eat, I made a quick exit - no not back home,lol...but to the bathroom - to sort hair, face, dry off my wet coat/damp cardigan...apply some lippy and retain the ever-so not so glam Jussie now, and sit down with a smile. I was very impressed with the choice of restaurant, and the food was amazing! You know.....all in all, the adventure getting here was a bundle of laughs when you look at the bigger picture, and certainly one day in my life - I will never forget! How my mate, didn't look into the overground (British Rail) as he used Google Maps instead for directions.

SO as much fun as it was getting here and that it was a memorable day...doesn't mean to impress me, that an hour's walk is required before dining out somewhere to eat...hahahahahahahahahaha...We both have laughed ever since, and I had a great lunch - thankyou!!! x

Then onto to Covent Garden one of my favourite towns, to finish with a dessert/cocktails at TGI Friday's....and I knew where this place was aswell, so walking here was not going to be like .....doing a mini marathon.

After a dessert cocktail with ice-cream, then a strawberry daiquairi for me, it was time to head back home...both a lil tired, exercised out, cold...and ready to chill back in the warmth with central heating!! Thanks matey for a specially planned out adventurous day...xx

February 20th - Part 2

Yay, today's the day I'm celebrating with friends - an all day/night affair! I have been looking forward to catching up with my close friends for little while now. My friends are not just local, but all over the UK and some mates drove a fair distance to get me/hours - so, thanks so much! And with friends who have known/been there for me in my early 20's when my illness first began (even though I was not diagnosed until 10 years later).

The first stage of my celebrations, was to have a meal at a Noodle Bar in my local town, then carry on back at my flat...with other people joining in later for the evening. I was up early doors prepping foods and also the night before...just couldn't keep still - like a bee buzzing away! Energy energy.....buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

On arriving at the restaurant with what seemed like an entourage and piling into the restaurant, food was definitely on the agenda! Great food, great company, and fab chats, giggles, hugs, and exchanging of stories.

LOOK at my cake photo!!!!!!!!!!!!????? LOL

Back at mine, and with other friends popping over, games, food (yes more) and a dvd movie much later. At, midnight I believe I finally flaked out!! Partying all day and night and socializing more than a queen butterfly :)

So, that wraps up another Birthday, another year alive thanks to my donor. Next celebrations are in July 9th for that is when 4 years ago - this year, my life was saved!

So.....the next months resume with training ready for 2 sets of Transplant Games and day to day life - that is of moi, aka, Jussie. Happy smiles to you all x x x

Reflections + Ambitions

2010-01-20T03:10:00.000-08:00

Here I am with a group of friends at the Annual Transplant Curry Night (Dec '09) in Brick Lane,London. A time for those who can get together with their family/friends to eat,drink,rejoice being alive and have fun fun fun!! I love this get together, and always look forward to it!

January '10

2010 and already time for reflections + ambitions........

My Facebook status as of today (27/01/10)
"Every day is a bonus,appreciate life. Take nothing for granted.Realise how lucky u r, n never forget those whose journey never had a happy ending.Remembering my friends lost n loved 2day+also to Jessica,hope u have a good send off.xxxxxx"

Gutted about Jessica Wales who waited almost 5years for new lungs, then just after Christmas last year - had the greatest gift of all! Two weeks later, Jess sadly lost her battle - her body too weak after such a long time waiting. So difficult to write words, to know what to say......

If you are not a donor - now is the time to join

BECOME A DONOR - CLICK HERE

When your body is at rest, why let your organs go to heaven!!!!!!!????????

We will all die one day - no one knows when, but why not join the organ register, knowing that for the future your life will go on in others. You are only friends with me, because I had that opportunity from my donor. Please think about it......and don't just think about it, and think will do one day........that one day will turn into weeks...then months...then years! Do something good today, pleaseeeeeee...thanku x x x

Just 4 weeks into the year, and I have already been on TV, Radio, and in 2 newspapers. Raising awareness and hoping my story gives hope and inspiration to others.

Also, I have an art exhibtion at my local library in their art space, which is going well and have had some lovely comments left too. I realise my art is like marmite - love it or hate it..haha.. (below some examples of my style).

Update on Squash news.......2 lessons in, 6 months to go before compete in Squash at the UK Games. Am I finding it hard - u betcha!! Me and my crazy goals!! Also, back training again for badminton, sprinting, and in a few weeks resume long jump. Exhausted me? hell yes! But, all will be worth it in the end, and a well deserved holiday somewhere. First European heart & lung TX games in Sweden (end June) then UK TX Games in Bath a few weeks later.

I can't believe almost the end of January already...then Feb my Birthday - Woohoo!! Looking forward to that, and someone special taking to London for the day :) xx

Over and out for now. Keep smiling. Mwuah x x

December's Snowy News

2009-12-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

It's snowing!!!!!!!!!!! woo!! get your wellington boots out!

Where has time flown? I haven't posted recently - so apologies from me, as I have been so busy. So much has happened, and I haven't found the time to write up my news - until now :)

So...it will be a briefer blog as the build up to Christmas now (yippy), and I may not have time to write again until next year.

So much has happened to me in 2009....maybe a couple downs, but, mostly ups and highs (and not the kind from my medications..ok)...just life being brilliant and achieving goals that I thought were not possible (Transplant Games medals/10 mile Bupa Run); winning the Essex Achievers Award (Against all Odds category)...travelling about in different countries in April and then my recent trip in November to Croatia!

2009, has also been a sad year loosing close friends who never recieved their life saving transplants in time, or loosing their fight against ill health. I often wonder, why did I get lucky...and not my friends. Truth is, there still isn't enough donors here in the UK - compared to other European countries. The statistics are 96% people they would readily accept an organ if their life depended on it, but only 27% actually have joined the organ donor register!!!!!!!!!!!!

The photo here, is with the background view of Dubrovnik in Croatia. I will still write about my time travelling there, but, will have to do this now next year. I mean It is Christmas next week!!

I am very excited for Christmas this year, and look forward to seeing family and friends and those close to me. A time to eat, drink and be merry :)

I haven't done much exercise since my holiday in Croatia, and reckon will resume now in 2010. And if I'm honest, I'm quite tired from all the training that I have done for the Transplant Games...and will see what happens in '10, as to whether I continue to push myself as hard. Or just exercise to keep fit and stay healthy. Maybe, I might even give the Transplant Games a miss in 2011 (BUTtttttttt......obviously if I got selected for the World Transplant Games in 2010 for 2011 - I WILL continue training) xx

Highlights for 2010 will be the European Heart & Lung Transplant Games in Sweden, then the British Tx Games a few weeks later in Bath. My 4th year celebrating my transplant anniversary. And my goal for this year coming, is to learn how to play Squash and enter with this sport for the Transplant Games in Sweden/Bath. Yes, I am mad....but those who know me, know that I grasp at life with this second chance that I have been blessed with :). I also will continue campaigning/fundraising to raise awareness on LAM and Organ Donation through talks and various media next year.

Well, short and sweet. I wish you all a very happy and wonderful festive season, and a great New Year!! Hope my mates still waiting - do get their lives re-vamped like mine was, and more people register on the donor register.

STAY HAPPY & SMILE LOTS !!

Thanks for everyone's continued support x x x

Oh there is a heap of media work done this year, but due to technical issues - radio, newspapers, and other articles done - they haven't all been able to be published on here. Lucky for me, I keep cut outs (except for the radio kind..haha) - so, one day someone can view everything that I have done over 5 - now entering my 6th year campaigning! :) xx

Bupa Great South Run

2009-10-27T11:45:00.001-07:00

Sunday 25th October

So, this is it! Today IS the day for my 10mile run (17k) with Imi Spencer and Bev Pearson.

And here I am, already a number 1 winner on the stand - just no spectators or medal for winning the overall race for elite women athletes..........STOP DREAMING JUSSIE.....Oh ok poo hoo, so here I continue my blog....

I travelled up the day before to Portsmouth and spent the afternoon shopping and chilling in my favourite hang out place, Starbucks. I think I should get shares in that company (for the amount of money I spend there...or become their number ONE fan)!

Later that day, I was to meet Imi for the first time - who had learned and followed my story through a joint friend, called Emma (who I haven't met yet - but plan too). It's quite bizarre really, as I have lots friends who have followed my welfare from when I was diagnosed with LAM, nearly died over and over, through my transplant and recovery, and up to now - the present day with all my adventures with my "new life". It is like a cyber world wherby we all stay in touch, even with other people with illnesses, pre or post transplant.

Imi's mother also had a transplant in 2001, a single lung transplant due to Emphysema, and sadly lost her battle on life after about 4-5 years after her transplant. Imi has said to me "knowing some of what you have been through makes me so inspired by your courage and strength to go out there and make the most of life, in a way many people wouldn't, and because of that I decided to join you in the GSR to support and show people that if you have the determination you can and will succeed". And, I was also quite happy to hear that Imi has run marathons and was going to help support me. I must admit if I'm honest, I was quite worried and although I've had my new lungs, I still don't have full lung function, and know that I can't run continuous due to breathlessness. I kept telling Imi, that I need to run 2-3 minutes, then walk the same, and start over, and thought she may want to run on ahead....and a search party would be needed to find me..lol. However, I gained more reassurrance again on meeting Imi today and the next day, by being told that she will stay with me whether I walk/run :)

It was truly wonderful to meet Imi, and have a chat, giggle, and meet someone who talks as much as me!! So, farewells until the next morning. My evening consisted of a burger with bacon and cheese, jacket potato...followed by fruit crumble and custard in a pub. Ok..Ok...rumbled...not the ideal protein/carbohydrate meal needed....but I won't tell anyone - if you don't..Shhhhhhh :P

I was a bundle of all emotions and thought I wouldn't sleep, and I was right. And sooooo confusing with the clocks going backwards. I set my phone, but my phone automatically changed itself too. When I woke up it said 5.30am.....but really it was 6.30am...too early, oh so confused, oh I need and want more sleep. OH no you can't Jussie, you have to get showered, eat cereal that you brought with and get the milk that you left in the bathroom sink filled with cold water overnight. WAKE UP!!!!! oh bar humbug.....

One hour later, I'm dressed in my sports wear, cereal consumed, coffeed up with the sachet left in the hotel room (the worst coffee in my life - blurgh)...you see, once a Starbucks coffee girl..always one :)

Thanks to Nigel who has been driving about for this event and to which I truly appreciated, if I did drive I would be tired ontop of my already tiredness. So, now time to drive into Portsmouth to the starting point...OOOOOerrrrrrr.......WE arrived in plenty of time, and were the first few cars only later to be filled with thousands!!!

It was such a windy morning and quite cold too, we went for a little stroll along the coast and saw the run posts being set up with the clock timer. Also there were lots of tents promoting various charities. Here I am, all wrapped up at the start with all the chaos still being finished. The other photo with the ever smiley Imi!

Also, I would be meeting a lady called Bev (again for the first time who I have chatted with via Facebook). Bev's young daughter has had a heart transplant. I have been looking forward to meet Bev, and here we are below all ready to rock and roll!!

I must admit, that I was quite overwhelmed by the amount of people - the atmosphere was electric! And my emotions were getting the best of me....I needed to hold it together. Quite surreal, that I AM still alive, and missing Marc Prosser who died a few months ago (who was also going to join me on this run). To my donor, who has made this possible, and thinking of other friends loved and lost with their own illnesses or pre/post transplant. Every day, really IS a bonus, and no one can ever accuse me of not living my life and making the most of every single day!

Hundled now with a massive group in the last band to start the run........the announcement went and a mass of people including me starting to walk round to the start line. I couldn't stop smiling and knew as soon as I went over the line...RUN JUSSIE RUN!!!!!!!! woohoooooo!!!!! And we were all told to wave on approach and this was being filmed and shown on a large screen for spectators to view. And if you look at this photo, there is a man standing on a podium in the left. He was responsible for the mass warm up for the thousands!!

I was feeling very happy and started as I intended to run 3minutes, then walk 3 minutes and all seemed to be going well (up to a point). Throughout the route, many supporters came out to watch, clap, cheer, and I loved seeing the children waiting to be tagged as we ran by....I tagged some children as I slowly went by and they smiled (which made me smile). Also people watched from their houses, shops, bars....it's like nothing mattered but all the people running through the streets of Portsmouth. Also, at various points there were bands or music being played loudly - which definitely helped motivate - when you could feel yourself flagging.

Seeing each mile marked out was like seeing the best thing ever. I couldn't believe it when I was approaching the 5 mile point (half way) YESSsssss happy days :)

Although, I was starting to feel slightly exhausted and this was putting a lot of pressure on my body. I decided it would be best to actually walk a whole mile until I reached mile 6, then start to run again. Approaching mile 7, suddenly I felt a pain my left leg and almost lost my balance? What was happening? I tried to continue to run again, and on/off this pain kept coming into my left leg. The only way I can describe it, as if a piece of elastic was going - ping and making my leg fall and limp over in pain. Oh dear, sadly, this is where it all kinda went downhill and went from bad to worse and my tears came and went. All my emotions again getting the better of me, and now suffering and feeling unable to run/even walk.

However, I kept going - it was like start/stop/start/stop......just as I thought the pain had gone and I had run a few steps...I went down again. So, I walked - only to find the pain was there still. I was making good time and thought I would be able to finish the event under 3 hours and was overjoyed that this would be such an amazing thing, and I wanted to work through the pain and keep going. In true Jussie determined - I am going to do it style!

I braved a happy face, and owe a lot to Imi and Bev, who had to help prop me up each time my pain came and keep hold of me - as otherwise I would have toppled over. So, now reaching mile 8 was fantastic, and I thought just 2 more miles to go - I CAN make it!! I knew I was struggling heaps but just didn't want to give up. WOW - I could see mile 9 marker and stopped for a photo and smile. This IS it - last mile - woohoo - nearly finished so off I started again. OUCHhhhhhhh........oh my goodness, I burst into more tears - the pain was now like agony and I was crying in pain tears. I could barely walk without wincing and struggling. My leg was throbing, it was awful. At this point, I thought as much as I want to go on...that I'm not going to make it and was devasted as so near, and realising the daunting fact that I just can't do anymore. I am not a person who gives up, and thought I MUST get through this. Both Imi and Bev was so supportive and kept encouraging me (aswell as helping me walk).

The last 100m and I thought, right pain or no pain I am going to run the last 100m and smile all the way to the end. I remember seeing Nigel filming us three approaching and got a surge of adrenalin and went for it...I can see the finish line..almost there..just a few more steps.......yes......WOW......

Then......unexpected my right leg screamed out at me in agony and went limp - I lost my balance. Then, like a terrible nightmare - my left leg went simultaneously at the same time. I felt my body just go and was falling. I called out to Imi who at this point didn't realise both my legs had collapsed, and dragged me over the finish line for the last few steps.

I was screaming in pain and needed to be helped into a wheelchair as couldnt walk. OMG, I was hurting and crying so much. I wasn't even happy that I had finished, it was just all too much to cope with. I was rushed to the medical team who looked after me for about 20 minutes to observe that I was ok. The medics actually informed me that it was a build up of lactic acid in both legs. The ironic thing is, that I had dreams that I would collapse doing this event, but, that it would be my lung collapsing. How bizarre for my legs to go, and I couldn't stop laughing when Imi said, "double-leg collapse" (I've had a double-lung collapse too) guess no singles for me - my body likes to cause optimum pain times two...though I'd rather it didn't!!

I don't have any photos of me at the finish line because of my drama, I will wait until the Bupa Run website publishes what they have and see my moment of falling glory before the finish line. I can't believe it - just 5 seconds from the finish - why couldn't I have collapsed afterwards...haha......and Why Me? Nothing ever runs smooth. BUT - I DID it!! The whole run took me 3 hours, 1 minute, and 59 seconds.

I later found out that there were not 21,000 runners - but 13,917 and I came 13,871, 46th from the last.

So, here I am in sick bay being monitored. My medal came to me, as I was unable to collect it from the finish. I put on a happy smile and consume the complimentary hot chocolate given to me. Sometimes, there are perks to being ill...haha. The medics couldn't believe that I had actually done the run, and were amazed and said I was an inspiration.

Well, I have learned that this challenge I set myself for year 3 being alive, was definitely ambitious and one that I almost never finished. Never again!!

BUT...now I have had a few days rest, and have been discussing doing another run! YES - I am mad, but, a shorter distance 10k not 17k! Also, roll on year 4 being alive and to a new challenge that I am still deciding what to do........

Lastly, somebody - and I have no idea who mentioned me whilst Channel 5 covered the run. I was informed that the message on the screen was something like, "every year Double lung transplantee Justine Laymond chooses a challenge and this year it is to run the Great South Run"........I have asked and even posted this headline on Facebook - but still clueless - and wish I could thank whoever did say this!

Well..thats it.......Jussie over and out, a hard year of sporting challenges to raise funds for LAM. My link is still open for any last pennies..lol

MY Justgiving Link

Thanks for everyone's donations so far, I have exceeded my target! And thanks for everyone's support of messages spurring me on, it all helps me.

Over and out, love you all x x

1 Week Before Bupa Run

2009-10-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

Monday 19th October

This is it!!! 1 week to go...until the Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth, 10 miles or 16.6k! Am I mad? YES YES YES ....and another..YESSSSSSS........geee I'm full of a mixture of al emotions.

Excited, nervous, anxious, happy, sad, can't sleep well as all emotions getting the better of me.

I'm missing, Ida Victor - with whom I met in 2005 when I was very ill and when I was told I had a rare illness. Ida told me, "acceptance is the hardest thing, but when you accept - you can move forward"...and that really helped me with my own diagnosis. Ida lost her battle with Lupus.

I'm missing, Marc Prosser who died earlier this year - so unexpected but his CF took hold of him :( and who was going to be doing this Bupa Run with me.

I'm missing, Melissa Arnold who also suffered from LAM - like I did and never pulled through.

I'm missing, Julie Teed (who had a rare illness) - who I corresponded with in Guernsey - but her call for lungs never came in time.

I'm missing, Lynn Ashton who recieved a double-lung transplant - but sadly died some months after. Lynn was needing a transplant after her lungs got damaged from smoke in a fire incident.

I also miss many other people - but the list is too long to go on. So, as you will realise I'm doing this run...not just in memory of those I miss, not just for the fact that my donor gave me life, but also for the fact..that I'm determined to raise as much money as I can for LAM and help research find a cure for this horrific illness.

Here is the link below - even if only £1.00 - a little will go a long way - thanks x

Justgiving Link

As to my training for this, it was going well up to a point..then I was doing too much and not feeling too well in myself. Quite a few people were concerned about me, and telling me to stop, slow down, rest etc - to which if I'm honest I ignored at first. Then, I really felt pain and I struggled at a running class (2 weeks ago), and knew that I DID need stop! So, for the last 2 weeks until now, I haven't really done anything and just saving all my energy for this Sunday. I have no idea how I am going to do this - it's not easy, and I do still struggle with breathing whilst exercising (some people have seen it for themselves).

Anyways..onwards and upwards. I'm hoping that Imi, will still be able to support me at the run as recently she has been recovering from Swine Flu.

I have had my sports top "edited"......by which I mean on the back I have had the words " I've had a DOUBLE-LUNG transplant" in luminous BRIGHT PINK printed on the back...hahaha.....so I'm hoping some random strangers on the day..will pat me on the back and keep me going with words of encouragement...x x x

Right...that's it for now..have a happy week everyone. Keep well and smiley...and if you do donate - thanks sooooo much,

Jussie over n out. Much love to u all x x x

September - OH what a month!!!!!!!

2009-09-25T23:59:00.001-07:00

I have written a massive blog for the whole month of September - whereby SO much has happened, and finally I have been able to write up all my adventures! October also has many happy things....and that blog will follow shortly.
Happy reading lovely people x x x

25/09/09
Essex Achievers Awards Night

WOW!!! That is how I must start this! What a night, the Essex Achievers Awards turned out to be. I was nominated a while back for an adult category called, "Against all odds" for adults who face major difficulties with courage/determination giving inspiration 2 all around.At that time, it was great to be purely nominated and I felt I had already won just to be recognised within my community. I continued with my day to day life, in the world of training fanantic, crazily busy Jussie and thought no more of it.

The actual night, was now upon me and my parents joined me along with my great friend, Fran, who as you know has spent a lot of her free-time assisting me (pushing me - with my training...even when I really have had enough.."just one more time Jussie" lol).

The whole evening was quite emotional, especially hearing the children's categories, and to be honest we are all winners just being there! I never expected to win overall...and as names were being mentioned as:- Commended, Highly Commended.....I kept expecting to hear my name. But then I realised after the last Highly Commended person was mentioned - and NOT my name, that - I had won!! Oh my goodness, I was shaking..and as post transplant patients know - shaking is a side effect of the medications. Fran checked if I was ok, and I said - that I was actually shaking (and not from my meds!!).

My name was mentioned, and I went to the stage to collect a great trophy and hear Dave Monk (Radio DJ of BBC Essex) say my story. The opening line was, "3 years ago Justine was planning her funeral.....gulp....I tried so hard not to cry. I was all smiles, until I returned to the table and balled my eyes out - emotion getting the better of me and quite amazing how FAR I have come and all that I have achieved with my campaigning on organ donation/LAM and fund raising for the last 5 years.
Also, that even though I struggle sometimes with my breathing doing exercise, that I still continue to set myself new challenges and defy the odds, like the Great South Bupa Run coming up on 25/10/09!

I think my parents were proud of me too that night.

All the other nominees for Against the Odds category - but to be honest, in my eyes - everyone was a winner!

Woohoo!! This is for - my donor - thankyou for giving me LIFE to continue!

Feedback from Facebook after I posted on my status/added photos of the night - that I won
Laura Katherine Cullum, Emma Still, Rich Neilson and 19 others like this.
Sandra Ramskill
"congratulations" well deserved. xx
Andy Healy
xxxxx :)
Nelson Freytes
booooooyaaah! that's american slang for congratulations!! ;)
Marla Dreyer Hamlin
YOU DESERVE THIS!!!
Cheryl Buxton
Congratulations x
Hamish Barrie
well done you great to here xxx
Hamish Barrie
hear even but you know what I mean spelling not being my strong card
Eloise Roberts
wow thats fantastic! well done! x
Sarah Milne
YAY well deserved x x x
Karen Swift
Great pics.... well deserved and well done again...
Jim Lee
Awesome! So proud of you but then I always have been! x
Hugo Camacho
well done baby welllllllllllll done
Christopher Sidney Richardson
Well done Justine U Deserve It !!!!!!!!!
Stephanie L Gonzalez
It may be to your surprise, but not your followers. You are a living inspiration. Thank you for the hope you give and the joy you spread.
Gage Hanson
and you are surprised because? i sure aint! you deserve it babe...
Michelle Martin
I've seen you pre and post transplant and trust me babe you deserve this! xx
Sonya Pettigrew
wow!!!
Clair Hemmington
well done justine. You inspired me before my tx and still do now. xx
Donna M Williamson
You desrved to win xx Congratulations xx
Dawn Atkinson
Well done you!! Many congrats xxx
Annie Sekowski
Well done Justine! Very proud of you.
Emma Still
well done xxx
Laura Katherine Cullum
welll done hun!!!! thats amazing. marc would have been so proud of you xxxxxx
Rich Neilson, Donna M Williamson, Tim Gibson and 13 others like this.
Mark Roylance
well done
Jeremy Kalp
Very well done hun, you deserve it
Claire Lamborn
well done justine, couldnt have gone to a better person
Laura Perry
Well done jussie x x x
Laura Kirschner
well done, you really deserve it! x
Stephanie L Gonzalez
Wow -- Justine, that is so wonderful. You must share the news with the LAM list.srv!!! They will all be so proud!
Kathryn Flynn
And you have earned it Justine. Congrats!
Nina Volden
,well done, you really deserve it! Hugs from Norway.
Elizabeth Hosford
Fantastic stuff Justine. Well deserved and now we need to party!!!xxxxxxxx
Andy Healy
Oh Jussie that's wonderful!! Well done, I'm so proud of you and so happy that we are good friends... BIG ((((HUGS)))) to ya my lovely groovy buddy XXXXX :)
Crystal Craig Windsor
WHOA!!!!!!! Congrats
Nicki Torrington
That's fantastic! Well done :)
Michelle Briscoe
WooHoo!!! Congrats!!! You deserve it!!! :) :)
Kiri Kalp
What can I say you deserve it so very very much. Very very well done you are an inspiration to everyone. love you lots
Kathryn Crawley
Amazing ! CONGRATULATIONS ! XX
Karen Whitham
Congratulations hon...so very pleased for you xx
Imi Spencer
Massively deserved, ur a LEGEND. Well done u xx
Karen Swift
Congratulations.... well done! xxx
Louise Lawrence
O sugar...u more than desrve that...enjoy the moment...I am very chuffed for you...u well earned that xxxxxxxx
Charlie Allen
congrats hunni im happy for u bbz x
Lynne Carr
Congratulations Jussie...well deserved!! :D XxX
Andrea James
Really thrilled - thank you for being such a great ambassador, and getting the message out there. xxx
Tim Gibson
Congratulations!!!
Grainne Morrissey
Congrats!....u deserve it x
Deborah J Taylor Smith
Congrat's
Frances Bellamy
well done Justine, we are so proud of you! you well deserved to win!

WOW - thanks everyone - totally touched by everyone's support and fabulous messages.
I wasn't sure whether to upload these messages or not, then decided I would as if ever I have a down day - then I can look at this page - and be reminded by how proud people are of me - still to this day. Also, that all I do - does has an impact on other people here and across the world.
A great night....great inspirational stories by everyone nominated, and few more tears shed on my journey back home x x

06/09/09
Harefield Fun Day Fundraiser

A day to celebrate and raise awareness of people who have been given the gift of life - like me. Supporters through to families/children, doctors/nurses - anybody and everybody associated with Harefield. To also help with fund raising for a new MRI Scanner for the hospital. This event happens every year and I truly like being here and catching up with other transplant friends, and seeing doctors/nurses/hospital staff who were/have been part of my journey.

Today was great fun as lots of my family attended to support in with the fun and help with my stall. I am no longer making jewellery/cards (interested in focusing on my art more/exercise training) and was wanting to flog all!! I was intending to do the 3mile run, but after a weekend of driving lots and training heaps - I decided I was too tired and simply better that I enjoy the day and chill :)

Thumbs up Jussie and my stall

Lisa Muscutt and I (both double-lung chicks) and next piccie with my Mum x

Thankfully, the weather held out and the sun beamed down. A lovely day for all :)

29/09/09

Charity Night - Fundraiser for Harefield Hospital

A friend of our family, Brian Selwyn Barnet has all year used Harefield Hospital as a charity for for his local golf club where he was Captain of the Old Fold Manor Golf Club.
Throughout the year various events have taken place to continue with this fund raising.

However, tonight, was a special occassion - whereby a representative from the hospital, Don Bailey came to make a small speech about the funds assisting the purchase of a new MRI Scanner. I was also there, to make a speech about my journey before and after my transplant, and how fantastic the team were/are at Harefield.

After my talk, I was overwhelmed by applause and sat down - still to clapping. Then an auction followed shortly after and amazing how much people were willing to donate to Henry the Hoover..haha. Also, some great trips away - thank you to everyone on the night, and a grand total that evening raised, £3,500.
A couple of photos from the night, and thanks to Harefield Hospital for all the balloons, which as you can see were placed on each table. I also left donor leaflets/cards (for people - if they wanted to join the organ donor register) and information on Lam for people to read about this horrific rare lung disease. x x

Thanks everyone - yes, it was a longgggg read. Thanks for keeping up with all my news. Big hugs, happy smiles, and to many more gifts of life! x x

British Transplant Games '09

2009-08-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday 30th July
Well here I am on arrival in Coventry for this years British Transplant Games, wearing my representative tracksuit for the Harefield Hospital team. I have been building up to this event as most of you know with heaps of training to improve my fitness and lung function.

My training has been intense with various exercise regimes (5-6 times a week), and at times my lungs did struggle, but, I was determined to keep going! I found it hard to sleep the night before..maybe a combination of nerves and excitement.

My friend, Jason (also competing in the games) was driving - just aswell as I would have needed many coffee pit-stops. On arrival, I felt all flustered and had about an 1.5 hour to get ready, unpack for the opening ceremony parade through the city centre. There were over 1,500 transplant recipients, relatives, friends and visitors for this and what a spectacle it was to see all the other hospitals and their teams taking over Coventry..haha. Lots of media attention too...and little did I realise that I including other team members had a photo of us all the next day on page 3, in The Coventry Telegraph (but to see photo now...scroll along the bottom to view photo number 10).

It was such a buzz to be back here again to see friends I had made over the last 2 years, and to get talking to new people too. Also, chatting face to face with people that I had just corressponded with previously through Facebook. My evening was spent drinking lime and sodas after in a bar, then back to sleep.

Friday 31st July
Oh dear....another sleepless night. Just adrenalin keeping me going.....thanks to my body being able to do that!! On my way up to the games on Thursday, I had a call from BBC Essex Radio asking if I would do a live interview for today to speak about being at the Games. At 10.30am (after eating a healthy breakfast)....I sat patiently in my room waiting for my mobile to ring. And.....so it did, and I was live back on air - only after being on the radio station there a couple of weeks back. It was great, and another boost to raise donor and LAM awareness. The link for the radio interview I will get shortly and add to my Media Articles 2009.

Also, please all remember that everything I am doing until the year ends is all for LAM Action. Here is my link if you would like to assist with a small donation - thankyou, JustGiving Link. I am hoping to raise £1000 and my link mentions all I will be doing this year to achieve this :)

Ok..ok...so here I am later in the evening for a 70's themed disco with two friends (Jamie and Mark). As much as there are competitive sporting events, we also have time to party too. Woohoo!! I danced most of the night, then decided to try and sleep - ready for Badminton the next day.

Saturday 1st August
Yay!! I managed to sleep for 5 hours solid, and I felt ready to start my day full of zest and a rested body!! I was excited for badminton today, and was quite amazed as to how many people were competing in this sport. All sports are split into age groups no matter how experienced or not you are. I really do enjoy meeting and making new friends, and there was definitely the opportunity to do this here!

I decided to have a "knock up" as it's called, to warm up for a little bit, then decided to have a breather before I wore my self out..lol

And as I pose for a silly photo, the gentleman walking up behind me is, David Walker (whose son has had a transplant too). Judging from David's reaction....looks like he is about to tell me off to stop having a laugh..lol....

And here are the badminton champions from Harefield Hospital..Woooooo!!!!! I managed to get a Silver medal!!!! Left to right in photo:- Justine (me), James Baxter, Lisa Innes, and Paul Walker.

Still feeling hyper and seeing 3 lads playing after games were over...I couldn't resist to gatecrash and join in with them. Nothing to do with the fact...they were handsome or anything..lol x x

So after being victorious, a night in the city centre was needed. And what better than to have a good curry!!! MMMMmmmmm..yum! There was about 30-40 people at the restaurant and we were quite loud..oops! Shame, for all those couples who wanted a quiet meal as we literally as we literally took over! By the time I got back to the room and ready to sleep, it was midnight (and I needed charge up ready for the athletic events the next day).

Sunday 2nd August
OOOOOOoeeerrrrr...today is my day, long jump, 100m sprint, 200m sprint, and the 100m relay race (which I later decided to leave as was tired and my lungs had done enough by that point). So at 9 am I was to jump......LONGgggggggg with 3 attempts. Well, I DID jump and didn't touch the part where you get disqualied as a foul (if your foot marks the plastersine).

I decided to upload this photo, as I look ridicoulous..........not sure what I am doing....but I thought it was a fun action shot! So laugh once only please :)

I did really well in long jump. I believe I came 5th out of 5 people..haha. Oh well, it not all about winning - but simply taking part and being alive still to do! I do enjoy long jump and will get more assistance to continue training in this, as I feel as much as it is fun, I would like to get a medal next year. Or maybe, some more silly action shots will follow again instead in 2010.

Well after coming last in long jump, I managed to win 2 bronze medals in both 100m sprint and the 200m sprint. I managed also to get a PB in the 100m of 18.8 seconds (my speed has improved by 2 seconds). I still have a long way to go to get to World status standard. But, I am still finding my feet so to speak in the games and where I can train to get to a proffessional level. I will try new sports to see if I may have hidden talents where I never knew possible. It is all trial and error, and also as to whether I actually enjoy them too!

This photo is from the 200m race - medal award presentation (with Ayesha as the silver winner and Diane with the gold).

I must stress again, that it IS taking part that counts. But.......I can't help it if I am determined to also achieve a goal and get to the World Games. I guess, even if I never do - I am still extrememly happy and grateful for my gift of life and love the games and seeing all my friends every year. And, the fact that I can breathe!!!

What everyone looks forward to, is the last night being the Gala dinner - food, drink, and plenty of dancing!! A time for all of us to unwind and celebrate, rejoice the games until it happens all over again the following year. This photo is from Harefield Hospital's athletes and supporters (family and friends) posing after it was announced that as a team we won the "Tesco" cup trophy - which was last won by us 5 years ago. All the medals won amount to a number of points - to obtain this trophy - and guess we just blew away all the other hospitals..lol x x

This photo here, depicts what I am alway about, "always smiling and always will"- dancing the night away, happy to be alive, and just loving life! Long may my lungs breathe and I hope to attend many more Transplant Games and one day - achieve a GOLD medal!!
(pictured here with friends Liz and Jamie).

Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way and for all the well wishes, good lucks and so on. Thinking of my friends that lost their battles on life - sleep easy, especially to my dear friend Marc Prosser recently. Also, to my donor - I hope you are proud of me. And, if anyone does wish to make a donation to Lam Action via my link - thank you in advance.

Well, that about wraps it all up - I have one more day of rest before my training resumes for my goal being a 10mile run for the Bupa Great South Run in October...so.....going to make a cuppa now.

Big hugs to you all - Jussie over and out for now x x x

Justgiving Link

2009-07-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Hope you are having a good week so far.

If you have a couple of minutes please to read my link (below) about events I'm doing this year to raise funds for LAM, that would be appreciated.

If you are able to donate, the amount will assist research to fund medical trials and drugs to slow down the progression of LAM, until a cure can be found. As LAM is such a rare disease and not widely recognised, there is a shortage of monies being donated.

This is the reason why I am doing this, to help women presently diagnosed with LAM and of the future so that no one suffers to the extremes like I did. Thank you x x

Justgiving Link

Many thanks all

Happy smiles all round x x x

3 weeks!!

2009-07-09T06:37:00.001-07:00

Mega quick update, as I have been without my laptop for 3 weeks. The local library has been a blessing - for the "one hour" a day allowance..lol.

Well, the much questioned magazine - is the BOOTS, health & Beauty magazine page 93. Boots are now making their advantage card also a donor card..YAY! It's an article using my story and little photo of me..aww.

3 weeks until my UK transplant games....oooooooo...errrr....Time flying too quick!!

And, can u believe it - today is my 3rd year of my transplant anniversary!! My life was saved 3 years ago - today - WOW! I still can't believe it!

Also, in my local Essex Chronicle this week (page 13) and I will update link soon.

And, I will be doing a LIVE radio interview about 9.10am on Friday 10th for BBC ESSEX :- 103.5 or 95.3 FM or online at bbc.co.uk/essex.

I will also be celebrating my 3rd year transplant tonight with my family and again with some close friends this Saturday at Thorpe Park.

To sad news, about my dearest friend, Marc Prosser died this week. I am so gutted and cut up about this. Marc was going to run with me in my first ever 10 mile marathon this October. Marc had Cystic Fibrosis and his decline was unexpected and extremley rapid. He will be missed by many. I miss ya Marc, and will run in your honour, along with Imi who is also running with me at the Bupa Great South Run.
So..to round up....have a great week everyone. Please do not moan about silly things, and really appreciate your life - take nothing for granted. Thanks x x

Can't beleive I am still breathing with someone else's lungs.

Bye all x x x

Oops Oh so quiet

2009-06-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Where does time fly away too? I realise I have been quiet since my last post in April...so decided to leave a little update...and will write more soon!

Exciting things are happening soon - my 3rd transplant anniversary in July (9th) - and will actually celebrate this on 11th. The British Transplant Games for 5 days in Coventry (end July/beg August).

And soon to be part of the 'Gifts of Life' photographs/project by Sarah Milne...watch this space.

And hopefully something even more compelling for a well known shop in their magazine (which will be all across the UK), for July/August edition. I will say more soon (early July....so be patient until then....hahaha).

Last weekend, I drove to Nottingham for the annual LAM Action meeting - which was great to see existing and welcome new Lammies. Although I would rather no one has this disease....but maybe research is positive now with early diagnosis...better that way and to be able to offer hope and medical trials to slow down the progression of Lam. Instead of 10 years for me - for my diagnosis and suffer horrendously! It is always a positive day and lots learnt, and also simply lovely to be able to chat to other women - not many of us - still a rare illness, and we support each other.

I'm still training hard for the transplant games...then will need continue after them for my 10mile marathon in October. Then, I will need a holiday!!!

I will organise a Just Giving Link soon to detail all my events this year and other elements to assist fundraising for Lam Action.

Going back to sleep now.... as I have a run class followed by long jump coaching in not many hours. And before I sleep again (why I wake up during the night for few hours then fall asleep again...blah..)
And, thanks again to Fran Cliffe who has been helping coach me for sprinting and long jump (I have never had any assistance like this before ever) and really appreciate the time Fran puts in. I am learning heaps...and whether I win or not - I am grateful to feel more "pro" and look forward to the games to put in all my hard work and Fran's coaching tips.

xxx