A pensioner has defied the odds to live over two decades after a heart and lungs transplant.
Jacqueline Ladbroke, 69, from Sutton, underwent her heart and lung transplant 21 years ago, after being diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, an increase in blood pressure which leads to shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.
She was the first person ever in the UK to take part in a "domino" transplant (where one donor benefits more than one recipient), on October 31 1988, and is thought to be just one of four surviving people who had this kind of transplant in that year.
Mrs Ladbroke said: “I spent about five months in hospital and once I was out, I still felt a bit sorry for myself.
"Ultimately though, it was a great change for me and the first time that I went for a walk with my husband Terry he remarked that it was the first time I could walk and talk at the same time. It was a simple change, but an enormous one.
“My operation, although it took a long time to get over and to get fit, was a great success, and something that I’ll be eternally grateful for.
“My attitude is that I’m not just ‘me’, I’m ‘us’.
"My donor gave me a gift and I accepted it with great gratitude and I’ve never taken it for granted.
"I take my drugs on time and try to look after myself because I am just so thankful. I owe it to my donor to look after myself."
Since then, Mrs Ladbroke has been taking anti-rejection drugs so that her body accepts the new organs.
But these drugs are so strong they affect her kidneys, meaning she has to go to St Helier Hospital three times a week to undergo dialysis.
Dr Jonathan Kwan, the trust’s medical director and Jacqueline’s kidney consultant, said: “Jacqueline’s achievement really is incredible.
"She is a marvellous woman and it is a privilege now to be treating her at St Helier Hospital.
"Having to undergo regular kidney dialysis so often is not nice for anyone, but Jacqueline just gets on with it and never complains.”
Anyone willing to join the NHS Organ Register should call the Organ Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.
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