Organ donor saved my life, says grateful dad
A BRAVE dad has told how a double lung transplant has given him a new lease of life.
Billy Cameron (56) was given the shocking news five years ago that his lungs were failing and he would need a transplant.
He was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.
Billy, from Bishopbriggs, was put on the transplant list in January 2011, by which point he was on a constant supply of oxygen.
After 19 months he received the call he had been anxiously waiting for - that a donor had been found.
Billy underwent the live-saving transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle on August 8 last year.
He said: “It’s changed my life. Just before the transplant my condition had deteriorated and I found it difficult doing the slightest thing.
“I’m very grateful to the donor and their family. I would encourage people to become an organ donor. You can save several people.”
Billy and his family receive support from The Freeman Heart and Lung Transplant Association, which provides a number of services, including accommodation for patients attending the hospital.
Fiona Taylor, a friend of Billy’s wife Moira, recently held a fundraising ladies evening at her Pitshop Barbers business and also sold jewellery and raised an impressive £861 for The Freeman Heart and Lung Transplant Association.
Billy and Moira are pictured being presented with a cheque from Fiona. (K30255)
See next week’s paper for more on this story.
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Billy and Moira are pictured being presented with a cheque from Fiona. (K30255)
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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