I am raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust a charity that is close to my heart. Amanda Chalmers a dear friend of mine was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), but despite this she continues to show a tenacious determination to enjoy life. Unfortunately, her health has recently taken a turn and her daily battles for life continues to inspire me and all those whom surround her.

Amanda grew up learning about the affects of this condition and the many possible outcomes that she may have to endure, but she never considered that some of the most difficult ones would happen. A few years after she started University her health deteriorated and over a period of two years it dramatically declined. Amanda had to give up some of the things she loved and became reliant on oxygen 24/7. She carried around an oxygen tank wherever she went, but this did not hold her back as she continued to try and live a normal life. She saw friends, family and even made it to a nightclub, although to weak to dance, it didn’t stop her having fun.

As her health continued to worsen, she lost a lot of weight and eventually had to be fed through a tube which gave her enough calories to survive. Shortly after, Amanda was listed for a double lung transplant as her lungs had deteriorated beyond the help of any antibiotics and the extra oxygen. Amanda always knew this was something she might need but had not thought she would need one at the age of 24. Whilst a transplant would not cure her from CF, it would no longer be in her lungs. 

There is a national shortage of donated organs. This means individuals like Amanda must wait desperately in the hope that they get the lifesaving call. Luckily for Amanda and all who know her, after 4 months of waiting the call finally came through and she had a matching donor.
Amanda was given the chance to get a new lease of life. On the 29th of September 2012 she underwent the lifesaving surgery and received two beautiful new lungs from her wonderful donor.

Amanda set herself goals and achieved so much more. To raise awareness for CF and Organ Donation she ran the Brighton Marathon in memory of her donor. Despite a chest infection two months before the race, she powered through and completed the marathon in a very impressive 6 hours and 55 minutes.

After the marathon she climbed mountains in Ecuador, celebrated her 3-year Lungaversairy by completing a Spartan Race and most recently competed in the British Transplant Games. From this she was selected to represent Great Britain in the Wold Transplant Games which took place in Spain last year. 

In December 2017 Amanda and all those close to her celebrated her 30th birthday. A milestone that 5 years earlier she did not know if she would make.

These last few months have been a challenge for Amanda, her new lungs have been misbehaving and despite various treatments it seems that sadly they are not going to bounce back this time. After numerous tests and attempts to get re-listed for a second transplant, the hospital have decided that Amanda is not a suitable candidate for a second transplant.

This news is not what anyone wanted to hear, but in the words of Amanda “such is life, it looks like I’m going to have to ride this one out till the end!”

Amanda is truly an inspiration on how to live your life and make use of every moment you have, taking nothing for granted.

I will be taking part in the following events this year, all part of the fund raising for CF. I am running the Steyning Half Marathon on the 4th March and the Brighton Marathon on April 15th 2018, hoping to get a PB this year. I will also be competing in my first triathlon, on 3rd June 2018. Also looking for a PB! Plus any other events I fit in this year!

For those who don't know; Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is fighting for a brighter future for people with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.

I would hugely appreciate any donations for this fantastic cause... and everything I receive helps build on strength and determination to complete these events in a good time!

Thanks,
James

#TreadsEventsCF18

Please find links to the following important web pages…
https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/
https://www.blood.co.uk/

Please also find a link below for a place to purchase a small gift with a big contribution to great causes:
http://www.noahfay.co.uk/bracelets/amandas