A few hours earlier, at home, the phone rang. Before my mam answered it i started shaking, somehow i knew. "We have a heart, get here as soon as possible"
11:59pm - my eyes flicker open outside the operating room, and i look at the clock, then the face of my surgeon, Dr Hamilton, he smiles and shakes my limp hand. Tells my folks he'll take good care of me, and then chastises me for getting him in on his birthday, he's only had whiskey though, so his hands will be steady.
Midnight May 9th / 10th May i'm wheeled into Surgery.
Tomorrow, May 10th 2015, will mark the 23rd anniversary of my Heart Transplant, not bad considering i was given 5 years as a good expectancy all those years ago.
My donor, who was only 12, was sadly killed when he was knocked off his bike whilst doing his paper round. His parents, despite their unimaginable grief and suffering agreed to donate his organs. Along with the heart i recieved, he gave his lungs, liver and kidneys, saving 7 people's lives that night. I think of him everyday, who he was, who he might have become, and if i make him proud, if i'm worthy to have recieved this gift from him.
I hope my running makes him proud, and that those who take inspiration from it realise that he is a part of that inspiration. I'm not the fastest, and i can't run the furthest, but i try my best every day.
With that in mind, i have decided that on this night in 2 years time i will try something that no one would expect possible. At midnight, between May 9th & 10th 2017, the 25th anniversary of my transplant, i will attempt to complete the Bob Graham Round.
For those not familiar, The BGR is a 66 mile fell run over 42 Lake District peaks and takes in 30,000ft of ascent, often on nothing more than sheep trods and open fell.
The rules stipulate that to be recognised as having completed it, it must be undertaken in no more than 24hours. If i manage that then great, but i will be going with the intention of finishing regardless of time. Just completing in one single go.
I have 2 years to train, recce and prepare for this starting now. I will not be rushing the process, i will build slowly towards it, and health permitting, i will be ready to face it.
Adam
