Vicky Petterson, 43, organised a training get together for other transplant survivors to prepare for British and European Transplant Games
A mum who has celebrated 15 years since a double lung transplant is ready to cycle, walk and run against others across Europe who have survived a transplant.
Vicky Pettersen, 43, will take part in the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games and the British Transplant Games this summer.
The New Marske mum, who is sports manager for the Freeman Hospital Heart or Lung Transplant Association (FHLTA), arranged a cycling training day with others who have undergone transplants on Saturday.
They gathered at Prissick Base cycling track, near Marton in Middlesbrough.
Vicky said: “A few of us have just signed with the cycling in the games so this was a great opportunity to meet the other members and share some important information about what it’s like in the big group starts and races.”
The mum-of-one was diagnosed with the life-shortening condition cystic fibrosis when she was just three and was on the waiting list for a double lung transplant by the time she was 22.
Before her transplant in April 1999, Vicky was in poor health and dependent on oxygen, something which she said made her “unable to do anything” with husband Erik and son Antony, now 20.
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Ten heart and lung transplant recipients came together for Saturday’s afternoon of biking - with some from Guisborough, Middlesbrough and Stockton and some who had travelled from Castleford, Leeds, Darlington and York.
All but one will be taking part in either the European games in Vilnius, Lithuania, or the British Games in Bolton - which is expected to be a bumper event with 139 competitors in the cycling event, part of the biggest Games since they began in 1978.
The FHLTA are taking a team of 35 competitors and 32 supporters to Bolton - and will boast nine members on the cycling team.
“Everyone said they had a great day and hopefully we will be able to get together another time soon,” continued Vicky.
“It was great to give everyone a chance on the bikes. We are now working towards the Games coming to Gateshead and Newcastle next year, which being local is a massive thing for us.”
Vicky is also taking part in the York British Heart Foundation 22 mile cycle ride in September along with charity ambassador Wendy Lingham who had a heart transplant three years ago, Simon Ripley who had a heart transplant six years ago and Richard Caulkin who had a double lung transplant four and a half years ago.
She also reiterated her message for possible donors to make clear their intentions, and help save lives: “Anyone who feels they want to should sign up to the donor list, but crucially should tell their next of kin and family what they would like to happen if they die. They make the decision.”
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