Catherine's Heart Transplant Story
2016 turned out to be both the worst and the best year of my life.
After seven years of living with heart failure, things deteriorated very quickly, and I went into end-stage heart failure. I had a bivad and ecmo fitted to me until I received my heart. (I was also the first person ever to receive a new heart on the super-urgent transplant list). Just 36 hours later, I had my new heart.
And my God, did I feel good! I could feel my new heart beating all the way down to my toes. My tummy no longer hurt, and I could take the biggest, deepest breath. It’s a feeling I still absolutely love to this day.
I had four chest openings in the space of two weeks, and it was an incredibly difficult time, with more ups and downs than I could ever put into words.
But here I am, almost 10 years on. I’ve travelled the world, made countless memories and, as people often joke, I’ll say yes to the opening of an envelope!
Life hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learnt not to take a single moment for granted. I’ve been given a second chance, and I’m determined to make the very most of it.
Here’s to 10 years of my second chance at life. ❤️
Just to say thankyou for everything, I reached 10 years on 30th October 2026. We had a Halloween Party! I always add an extra heart balloon every year!
