Mike's New Lungs

4 years ago I had a double lung transplant – now I’m running in the 2012 London Marathon.

Post Transplant - Day 3 Post Transplant - Day 10

Let’s rewind just a little…On 23rd September 2007, I underwent a 7.5 hour operation to have a double lung transplant, prior to that I was bed-bound and on a ventilator 24/7. I’d been in The Royal Brompton Hospital for seven months and had been in a wheelchair for half a year beforehand.

Because of the unfortunate death of a younger male whose amazing decision it was to opt-in to the UK Organ Donor register, I’m here today living the life I never thought I’d be able to lead. I don’t know anything about my donor but I’ll always have incredible gratitude and amazing respect for him and his family – he’s the reason I’m here today.

To celebrate all of this, I thought I’d set myself a challenge. A challenge that will really test my strength, agility and focus. I applied to the CF Trust to see if they would allow me the honour to run the London Marathon for them – they agreed…

Here’s my journey...

News

Mike With London Marathon Medal

18th October 2012I'm In! The Training Begins!

I was literally surprised to see a “Congratulations” letter on my doormat from the Virgin London Marathon team; I have a place in the 2013 Marathon!

Having known the pain, trauma and amazing emotions that you go through on Marathon day, I’m delighted to be doing it all again. Hopefully though, this time around, I will be able to walk after the event and won’t have such swollen ankles next time. At times like this it’s often necessary to look for inspiration. With the UK having had an amazing Olympic and Paralympic summer, you don’t have to go very far. The athletes who take part not only did themselves and their countries proud but they truly inspired many people. More and more of us are now playing sports and taking the field and/or streets in a bid to get ourselves out there, and making ourselves fitter at the same time.

In light of my entry, training has literally just begun with a series of short 7-10k runs twice a week, and, in the new minimal running shoes I bought earlier on in the year. My times aren’t that great (about 50 mins for 7k) but considering how long it took me to build myself up for 2012, this is a good entry point.

I’ll be updating this page with my training progress throughout the year. To begin with, it’s not all about speed but being comfortable in my new shoes and running style. That said, I’ll always be looking to improve my times as things move along…

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Runs

2012 London Marathon map

Marathon Map

The Virgin London Marathon is one of the great British sporting events, combining elite athletics, mass participation and record-breaking fundraising in one race. The course is a gruelling 26 miles 385 yards long, passing through the streets of London from Blackheath to the famous finish line at The Mall.

Partners

NHSBT Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Find out more about my partners by clicking the links above