I received a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2009. Prior to this I had been made redundant, lost a younger brother, had 3 failed IVF attempts and was plagued by various health issues.
Since the operation I have achieved many things. Within a year I was climbing Snowdon. And since then I have walked the Yorkshire three peaks and Hadrian's Wall for charity. I have also held charity dinners and to date have raised around £15,000. I have also become a parent to two children, one through IVF and the other is adopted. I have been on national and local TV and radio, spoken in Westminster and am now an organ donation ambassador for NHSBT. I have also won a bravery award and medalled at the transplant games. My walks also include hikes in the dales and the Brecon Beacons. I have also been part of an international symposium looking at personalised medicine.
My talk is to show and inspire that no matter what happens to us in life it is what we do with the opportunities presented to us. I have made the most of the things thrown at me by raising money and the profile of organ donation in both the local community and nationally also.
I have completed a number of talks, including patient days and have the NKF annual conference as their post dinner motivational speaker coming up.
Most recently at two separate rotary club events my talk was hailed as the best talk they have ever had.
I believe I can impart a message of extreme positivity and inspiration to the people who hear it, regardless of whether they are people in industry, or health professionals and so on.
As a member of a patient advisory group and two organ donation committees I have the skills and knowledge to back up my story and as an amateur actor can enthuse your audience by bringing them into my talk effectively and efficiently.
