Transplant Kids

The Transplant Kids website we came across when transplant was first mentioned as an option for Shannon.

It is designed to provide information to help children, family and friends who may have to undergo a transplant.

I logged on initially as a confused and desperate dad looking for some information on the subject of transplants.

It is something you never ever dream will happen to you and your family. However, I did find I was not alone and got great inspiration from the people there who had been through all of the whole transplant process already. It was great to read about the success stories and also get advice about the care/medication etc required post transplant.

A video montage of some of the transplant kids has been posted on youtube. It features our little star, Shannon.

I have posted a link to that and the Transplant Kids website. Please go check it out!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2V1yCSbuXg

http://www.transplantkids.co.uk/

London Marathon for Heartbeat

(L to R Martin, Shannon and Adrian)

Shannon, Donna and myself have a lot of people to thank for getting us through this arduous journey. First and foremost , we are eternally grateful for the courageous decision made by the donor family, in their time of sadness at the loss of a child, to give Shannon and our family the most precious of gifts, Life.

We are very grateful for the help and support of all the medical staff at the Clarke Clinic (Cardiac ward) at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London where she underwent her transplant. Both hospitals now share her post transplant care.

A very close family friend, Martin Gorman, from Newry, County Down has achieved the remarkable feat of automatic qualification to run the London Marathon on 22 April 2007. This is a privilege only granted to those who have run other marathons in under three hours. His success at achieving that in both Belfast and Dublin marathons last year is a testament to his dedication and commitment.

Martin has very kindly agreed to raise money by way of sponsorship of his London Marathon run. While trying to achieve a personal best!!! It is very appropiate that London is the venue and while London and Great Ormond Street mean so much to us. It is closer to home that we wanted to focus our appeal.

Heartbeat is a Northern Ireland registered charity, which was formed in 1984 as a support group for parents who had children with congenital heart disease, living in Northern Ireland, regardless of how slight or severe their condition may be. Heartbeat’s financial contribution to Clark Clinic is enormous - pumping more than £50,000 each year into much needed equipment. With finances in the Health Service at an all-time low, Clark Clinic relies heavily on contributions from Heartbeat to constantly update and purchase new equipment.

We would be very grateful if you make a donation to support Martin’s efforts in the London Marathon to raise funds for Heartbeat.

Please email your support to heartbeatnilondonmarathon@yahoo.co.uk

www.heartbeatni.co.uk