Survival of the Mind

I am not sure where to start as so much to write about this time round. From updating on my 30 day Paleo food challenge, and an All Day BootCamp I participated in, a recent hospital check up, and a fitness challenge in conjunction with the 30 days of paleo.

Phew deep breathe and let me begin.....

Me, "I wish I could be like everyone else" to Lisa (fitness instructor at EBC), "..you are, you work to your body's max ability". Just feeling a little down when partaking in a recent all day bootcamp event and seeing everyone run faster and way ahead of me, and able to breath and run continuously. On Sunday, 24th February I took part in a challenge at Bentwaters R.A.F to test my mind and fitness.

Essex BootCamp all Day event 9am-4pm

I know, I have done many crazy things but not endured a day of full on fitness. I have been very excited leading up to the build up of this, and also anxious as to how my body will cope for the whole day. I am NOT a quitter as most people know, yet, I also need to be sensible and listen to my body when enough is enough. On the morning on arrival to say I was crapping myself an understatement! Massive thanks to Mike and Judit who collected me at 7am (there is no way I could have driven home after, due to complete exhaustion - so was very grateful). Alarm was set for 6am, but, I had little sleep and woke up to delightful bags under my eyes and continued my morning with porridge and decaf coffee (real coffee once the road trip began).

I wasn't going to pay attention to the paleo/eat clean today, as was more concerned I got enough calories in me and for my health. Thankfully, the instructors were encouraging this too, and I tasted a flapjack being passed around in the morning.

The first part of the morning was a timed mile circuit...hahahahaha...I was thinking how long have you got? When, James (EBC instructor/director) said for me to start the opposite way and as soon as I see someone to run back again. Phew. Stop start stop start, breathing, breathing, start and beamed smile of relief as I saw Mike and then turned back to finish. Followed by a minute of press ups, sit ups, and maybe something else (can't remember now), to see how many we could do in a minute. Think I did 20 press ups, and 17 sit ups in a minute - not much compared to other people - but working to my ability.

Then team tasks running up/down bunkers and doing more exercises, OMG, running hard enough for me - but even when roads steep, but, an upright bunker...........yer yer I was a red faced flushed almost tango-ed puffed up Jussie! Also adding to this, carrying logs and doing various exercises with these to.

V-sit a killer 

running with Lisa EBC instructor

Two teams were split into carrying equipment:- tyres, sandbags, heavy ruck sacks and cans weighing heaven only knows and other bits to carry a distance and assemble and fire at a landmark. Then repeat, repeat, repeat......oh lalalala. Then next task, being covered in camouflage make-up  some ladies had Glynn (instructor/director) with his fingers over their faces..why not mine, hahahaha.......perhaps not me thinks ;) Then hiding in the woods and it was commented upon that I would be like a beacon, but, I wasn't found first! I laid down on the ground behind some bushes and when I was finally noticed I definitely was camouflaged up as my hair resembled a twig/leaf/nettled/leaf head which I pulled all the pieces out to become Red......

Whilst one team were finding some of us in the woods, the other group were doing a stretcher run task. Thankfully I had a couple of goes lying down whilst being transported with other people carrying me - I closed my eyes and shouted words of encouragement. RED is my nickname in bootcamp as in Red Fraggle from Fraggle Rock

Now...NO laughing with comparison please!! Hey, I said no...........damn you people, trust me to be compared to a stuffed puppet and perhaps a slightly mad one too!!

LUNCH time consisted of beef, veggies, potatoes and a little bit of apple strudel/custard with a fruit/nut bar I made added in. Being seated, I began to feel my body sink, but, still the endurance course to do. Changed my socks to seal skinz as aware we were going through a pond and will get wet!! Re-filled my water bottle, changed my top, bit of deodorant and time to rock n roll. Well, not quite.... get shouted out like in the military and line up and follow orders. I daren't be cheeky this day or speak as knew punishment would follow, it happens also at bootcamp but bit more banter at the hour long sessions. Today, was stricter for a purpose to be a mind set and keep going, not to give up, and at some point in the day the challenge will be when you want to give up - but the power of the mind keeps you going....Survival of the Mind. Boom!

The afternoon was filled with an endurance obstacle course, and initially being showed round the route. It felt like a work out to jog (in my case walk) and try a few of the obstacles, I was actually tired now and puff running on low reserves, and knew I needed stop and rest before the actual get go.

never fear the handsome men are here ;)

fell over as charged through the tyres

It was a timed event, but, I cut mine short after the 'pond' scenario.......

I was amazed I was still going, albeit at my own pace, and far far behind everyone else, and taking lots deep breathes and breather breaks when required. Determination to keep going - my mind staying strong and focused. Even though, my mind IS strong - I do have to listen to my body too. 

So the last challenge being walking through a chest deep ice cold pond. It was asked how I would cope if my lungs/me went into shock doing this. I said, I don't know until I try! Geesh, I am crazy - I just thought don't hesitate and I went straight in and the more I walked in and felt the cold go into my lungs..sheer horror filled me next. It is almost impossible to describe, but, I suddenly felt that I couldn't breathe as the cold tightened my lungs and unable to restrict. Panic and fear and a sense of helplessness, and hearing Glynn telling me to keep going. I knew I had to do this otherwise things would have got a lot worse. The element of the mind came in and I thought I must keep moving before collapsing or anything. The state of panic and gasping to breathe afterwards made me hysterical with tears, and trying to breathe and feeling freezing cold - not a pretty site. Thankfully, another instructor (Johnny) walked back with me the rest of the way (cutting the final distance short). I cried the whole way back and with lactic acid build up in my legs too - hobbling, crying, cold, frizzy hair - so glamorous eh ;)

BUT, I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another achievement - thank you very much. I would perhaps consider this type of day event again, but, NO way through that pond (unless summer time). Not worth putting me at a risk again. No regrets doing it now, as I like to throw myself in at the deep end...literally! lol x

And as always a MASSIVE thanks to James and Glynn, and to all the instructors who are excellent at what they do, and supportive working with me. xx

So now an update with the Paleo food 30 day challenge which has ended now. If you are unsure what I am talking about, my previous blog mentions what this is and why etc. I am quite proud how I managed to keep this going (minus my birthday blip - but I did bootcamp 4 times the following week to make up for it). I haven't missed cheese, crisps, coleslaw, all the sauces that I added to food mayo/ketchup/mustard/pickles/salad cream - you name it - I had it and I used it. After the 30 days, I did have a binge and ate everything that I wasn't allowed during this period, and surprisingly to me, I felt like a food snob. Ohhhh, I don't like that, ewww that tastes nasty. Amazing to think how much difference there is from fresh foods to how processed/convenience foods taste. I even bought 2 packet of what used to be my favourite crisps (onion rings and kettle crisps cheddar flavour), and I couldn't be more repulsed! I am shocked if I am honest, and actually really have enjoyed the challenge. 

Moving forward, I realise I will not be able to keep this up 100% but would like to try and adapt elements of this into my lifestyle. I have stocked up on coconut oil, almond nut butter and will cook more now too from scratch (time allowing).

Here are some more photos of the sort of foods I made and ate in this duration (more examples on my previous diary entry)

Fruit and Nut bar - no sugar 

lamb chop, parsnip chips, spinach, guacamole

pork goujons coated in mixed seeds/coconut/piri piri seasoning

homemade burgers,sweet potato mash,beansprouts/salad

sweet potato rosti's with onion/red pepper, burger, egg, veggies

Throughout this month, my shape has changed and an inch sometimes more have gone from various parts of my body, totally 7 inches of fat gone! WOW!

The Paleo 30 day challenge also involved a fitness test at the start of the month, and one to be completed after the duration. I am gutted, that I missed this due to my body not feeling 100%. There is NO point pushing, when simply I cannot. I do have to listen to my body and how I feel inside (lungs). I only hope that my time would have improved and that I would have been able to knock some minutes off. 

And now the final part of my journal, that of my check up at the infamous Harefield Hospital (my 2nd home).

I joined Essex Boot Camp around Oct/Nov time last year, and I have really pushed beyond even my own limitations - through sheer determination and an attitude to keep going. Some sessions, I have really struggled, and even my breathing has been an issue (some tears - not in the eyes of the instructors). But, stubbornness to keep striving and keep going keeps me motivated. I would like to see improvements from my results at hospital, but, I guess if no changes, I will feel deflated - but, also I know that if this IS the case, it will NOT stop me from continuing!

But, I was amazed when all tests completed and seeing my doctor in the afternoon, to a WoW, your lung function is amazing/high...or something to that effect and a big smile on her face telling me the news. My FEV1 which measures the forced expiratory volume in the first second has been the highest ever since my transplant! It is the volume of air that can be forced out in one second after taking a breath, an important measure of pulmonary function. I am supposed to do a daily spirometry reading myself and if a 10% decrease could be signs of an infection/rejection. My FEV1 over the years has averaged at about 1.80/1.90. Today it was 229! Last year, there have been small increases in-between each visit 1.80, 2.04, 2.08 (November 2012). But, my Doctor couldn't believe at the increase today of about 8%! I guess the, 'wow' in respect that this is NOT common after all these years to have a significant increase from 180 to 229!

We talked about my breathing issues too, and I queried why if my lung capacity has increased why I still struggle, then OB was talked about again. A new condition I was diagnosed with, Obliterative Bronchitis which is a progressive disease and over time closes down the airways making it difficult to breathe. At the time of diagnosis, medication was discussed to slow down the progression and I didn't want to (I take enough meds as it is) and hoped exercise would help, and it has! Obviously, if it gets to the stage and I do start to notice a decline I will happily take more pills. But, I have found a remedy that works for me for the short term, to keep exercising to keep my lungs working.

Then, the question was asked....'what am I doing?' I said, 'bootcamp'. My doctor's face looked aghast and her mouth dropped, silence followed...... and I'm sure in that silence she was saying to herself, WTF, OMG, what a crazy mo - fo!!! But, no words did appear and finally nervous and approving laughter filled the room, and then she told me to keep going :)

So there you have it!!! Finally, I celebrated my 40th Birthday in February, and above shows me acting all 'my age' ;)

Please keep smiling, and keep striving - even when you feel the odds are against you. I will never give up or quit, and always a fighter. Lots of love to you all with happy sprinkles ontop. xxx

Green,Lean,Fighting Machine

Hey everyone,

Hope you are all well and groovy. Another blog of a different kind - but one to do with Food! For those who know me well and have been following my diary entries here about my life and health, and crazy challenges. Welcome to 30 days of 'Eat Clean', set up through Essex Boot Camp that I have become somewhat obsessed with, lol.

Not only is the exercise regime great (if somewhat exhaustive on my lungs), but the instructors and people who also participate are truly fabulous. Now along with going 2-3 times a week and now my shot putt/discus training once a week and badminton training during the week too. Now......I am focusing on this food challenge which is a paleo way of eating. For those unsure the following explains what it is......

Information taken from Paleo


Paleo is short for Paleolithic, and the premise of a Paleo diet centers around the idea that our bodies have not adapted sufficiently to eating foods that weren’t available to us 10,000 years ago. It is thought that more than 70% of food consumed today was never available in Paleolithic times.  We put so much processed food into our bodies; most which is unhealthy.  The advances in agriculture and mass food production have caused us to move away from eating real food; food meant to work with our bodies for optimal health.

 A Paleo diet involves eating meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, little starch, some fruit and no sugar.  It means no grains, legumes, dairy or alcohol.  It means staying away from all processed foods. 

What about fat?  How will I get energy? Fat is a much more powerful fuel for our bodies than sugar and starch. Picture fat as the slow-burning log on the fire and sugar is like paper, which burns very quickly. Basically you can get enough of what your body needs from Paleo diet to thrive just as our ancestors did before bread, bagels, pasta and cake became part of today’s diet. 

What about Canola Oil and other Fats? Canola, soy, corn and other vegetable oils are highly-processed and were not available to our Paleolithic ancestors. These monounsaturated oils are very heat sensitive and the high heat they are exposed to during the extraction process renders them toxic to the body. This leads to free-radical formation and can cause inflammation.  A diet high in these oils can damage our cell membranes, which need saturated fats.  In addition, when we eat healthy fats, our gallbladders send a message to our brains telling us that we’re full.   People who eat low-fat foods high in vegetable oils (instead of natural, saturated fats like butter), don’t receive the critical message from the brain, “I’m full”, so they tend to overeat.  Most fats consumed by people today come from these unhealthy oils, trans-fats and from omega-6 fats. 

 Numerous studies have concluded the following results for those on a Paleo diet:

• Weight loss
• Improved glucose tolerance
• Lowered blood pressure
• Significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides
• Increased  feeling of satiation

Enjoy the photos of my food shopping and some examples of paleo food meals I've done :)

banana,coconut,berry smoothie

gluten free oaks,coconut milk,sultanas

banana,protein powder pancakes,spinach,berries

smoked salmon salad with satsumas and seeds

tuna vegetable salad

turkey,sweet potato,vegetable stirfry 

bolonaise,sweet potato,parsnips and salad

OK so history lesson over...... So why am I doing this too? I think if I can focus on my exercise and food combined - it will surely benefit my health. I know this is for 30 days, but, I already feel that I would like to adapt this moving forward after the 30 days.

How has it been so far? Well, I started a day early and now have been eating clean for 8 days. The key is preparation and lots of so you know what you are eating for all meals and even the next day. It is hard doing this and making the time, and more washing up than I've ever had before!! I do really enjoy eating fresh foods and this lifestyle. But, I would be lying if I say that I am not missing some foods - mmmm...macarooni cheese....drool. And on day 6, I was feeling like I needed a few cubes of chocolate, but, I never did. I guess having no sugar is difficult and the only sweet flavour I get is from cinnamon and coconut shavings, and a handful of sultanas. Do I write that I actually went crazy for sugar withdrawal that day on here......opening and closing cupboard doors, checking my freezer for chocs...ahhhhhhh......short of climbing walls and pulling my hair out, lol. I have since realised that sugar is a BIG addiction, and my body is trying to do without.

I have had great meals and also some disasters, my first attempt at making paleo pancakes was a pile of slop - but still tasted good. Also, I made 2 meals in advance turkey, sweet potatoes, vegetables (photo above as in wok) - then left pan on with the hob off, but it still cooked through (as the hob  was still hot). I ended up burning the base of my pan and my food smelt burnt all the way through - and had to bin. Gutted and a waste :( This was the weekend I was going away to a Team GB training and my advancement preparations went belly up! In a panic in the morning, I opened a tin of tuna and filled a tupperware also with salad, packed avocados, fruit and ended up buying cooked chicken on the way and a bag of lettuce!

I think it's important to have variety too as otherwise this could get boring and motivation slowly go. I have cut out caffeine, and for this regime also no alcohol (not that that affects me - 1 shot baileys in like 2 months ..lol), no fizzy drinks (again not a bother for me), no dairy - but can have almond or coconut milk, no cereals (bye bye coco pops and chocolate milk from it, fruit and fibre etc) - but ok to eat gluten free oats (but expensive)!!

I have seen my friends eat chocolate, crisps, and sweets in my face and make extra loud noises with their wrappings of these sugary bad boys.....It is difficult to watch and I know I have done well so far. I am having a fundraiser event this Saturday and also my 40th celebrations, and have said in advance my only sin that night will be cake...but I am prepared for any punishment at bootcamp.

This is not a diet, but a different food lifestyle and one I am embracing for this duration. Keep eating your naughty foods and think of me being pure and heavenly ;)

Thanks lovely people and I will write again perhaps at the end of the 30 days or before if I need help through my cravings. Peace, love, protein powder, green beans  and I'm outa here xx

Life Begins at 40:Time for Change

I am beginning a new chapter in my life, turning 40 on February 12th and they say life begins at 40 or is that 50? lol. I have been thinking a lot, over many weeks, months and the last year perhaps two, about new directions and what I want from life! I am in a very happy place and just believe I can be even happier :)

My focus as most people know has been on the transplant games:- British, European and World Games; raising awareness globally on Organ Donation and LAM disease; networking with people across the globe with other illnesses/pre and post transplant; making friends, and achieving challenges (that most people fit and well wouldn't even consider). Also, to finish writing my life story - still struggling with this - one day!!

I guess, I have reached a point whereby my outlook is different now, I have focused a lot on the transplant community, which I love dearly and all the amazing/inspiring people along the way. This has been for about 6 - 7 years now. Also, doing other goals such as last year in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.

I push and train my body so hard, sometimes up to 5 times a week in various sport disciplines. I am left tired and exhausted from pushing my body a lot, and sometimes suffer from this.  Having gone through LAM disease and my transplant and last year some may remember I was also diagnosed with Obliterative Bronchitis (OB) which is a rare and life-threatening form of non-reversible obstructive lung disease in which the bronchioles (small airway branches) are compressed and narrowed by fibrosis (scar tissue) and/or inflammation. Some patients experience rapid loss of lung function and die in a few months. Others progress slowly, followed by prolonged stability.

I am lucky at the moment,  as I have become stable and now know I can live for many years, and believe exercise IS helping me and my positive outlook and zest for life and living! And since, I have also met and spoken with people with OB even 20 years later on still alive! Regardless of this, transplant IS an extension NOT a cure, and I know every day, week, month, year - a real bonus. To still be breathing truly amazing! x

But, no one is secure - as a bus could knock me or anyone down. It's a lesson regardless really to live and enjoy life, as no one knows what is around the corner. Hence, why I also like to travel and see as much of the world as I can :)

Last year, about November time I joined Essex Boot Camp and this has opened my eyes to a new form of fitness, which I am loving and getting more benefits than going to a gym or my other sports. From this, I have seen various types of other day events based on military/obstacles over a course challenging the mind and body both physically and mentally. I am excited by this, it is new to me, and I am meeting and making some lovely new friends. The transplant games I have done for so many years, and I have been thinking before bootcamp came into my life, that one day I would like to stop and try something new. 

I am competing this year in the World Transplant Games, in South Africa, and have decided that these will be my last transplant games. It doesn't mean goodbye to the transplant community, as I love all the social aspects and the friends made through these. Just means, I am ready for something new maybe for the next couple of years. I will still go to the social events to party or maybe just watch everyone else compete at the Transplant Games, and cheer you on!! x

Also, being 40 soon and single, I think it's about time I found a nice boyfriend and looked at being happy with someone. The Transplant Games dominate my life so much when I do train 5 times a week, that my social life is affected and the romance side. I don't want that anymore. If I do other events just to keep fit and can have my life back, I know that will be more rewarding for me long term. I hope you are starting to understand a little bit more. As, I've said this is not a overnight rational outburst - this has been brewing inside of me for a VERY long time. And, I think going to South Africa will be truly amazing for me and a wonderful way to finish on a high and have fantastic memories. The friends made are friends for life!! And I hope those friends from abroad that we can continue to communicate and visit each other as and when possible. xx

So any nice man - looking for a crazy red head - holla!!! hahahahahaha xxx

Life is a constant learning experience and I feel like a sponge trying to take up as much as I can. I will always strive to raise awareness, that is a deep rooted passion of mine. I love my friends dearly and that will not change.

Being 40 means time for change, and welcome to new exciting chapters in my life. I am hungry for something new, and already know a challenge I will train up for after the world games 

Tough Mudder 

Check the link out!!

Ok lovely people - roll on 2013 and the start of a new journey in my life - are you ready!? Because I AM!!

Much love as always xx

2012 What a Year!!

So the year is nearly over, and WOW what an eventful year indeed. So many achievements, awards, medals and so on. It has been worth it amongst the health blips over the year. Having a transplant is a life extender, but not a cure as it comes with it's own issues to deal with and fighting when the immune system is low. However, I would not change anything for the world - as it HAS given me life and longer days, months, and years. I still do not take anything for granted, and realise each new day IS a bonus, and one I am so grateful and appreciate my donor for this opportunity.

I decided to mention some items in the months whereby things have happened as follows, and then summarising at the end. Like Jerry Springer's final thoughts - though mine without all that drama ;)

April
Awarded as a Chelmsford Sports Ambassador 2012-2013

June
Clipper 11-12 - started my challenging round the world yacht race (leg 8) over 4,000 sea miles

July
Clipper 11-12 - completed my leg in the sailing race and making history as the 1st woman with a double lung transplant to have sailed the Atlantic Ocean.

6th Year Post Double-Lung Transplant - celebrated at sea (well, was too ill to do so, so had a welcome home sailor tea party and celebration of life back home and with thanks/memory to my donor).

August
British Transplant Games
Silver Badminton Doubles
Bronze in:- shot put, javelin and discus

September
Awarded the European Lung Foundation Award

October
Awarded Winner in the Active Chelmsford Sports Personality of the Year.

Awarded Winner in the Harefield Hamsters (from my hospital that specialises in transplants) Special Award for my sailing in the Clipper 11-12 race and raising Organ Donor Awareness across the globe

November
Awarded as a Runner up in Essex Chronicle Sports Star of the Year.

Awarded as Top 5 Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year Award, which had over 1,000 entries. I felt very humbled to be recognised for all my achievements and to meet Samantha Cameron at No:10. My previous journal I wrote more about this amazing experience.


Final thoughts
So, as you can see it really has been quite an eventful year for me. The best news was learning that LAM disease has not spread to my brain, as initially the doctor looking into this, thought I may have a tumour or a stroke as LAM is a circulatory condition affecting various organs. All this due a regular eye test, that followed up with more investigations showing my left eye re: it's circulation had slowed in one eye and looked very different with photos taken to my right eye. Anyways, besides that and being poorly for a couple of months after my mammoth sailing experience...another lucky year for me and I'm still alive!!!!

2013, I hope will be another great year, as I look forward to the World Transplant Games, in Durban South Africa (July). I will be training very hard and even if I come home without a medal, I know I would have given it my all, and simply being there IS a winner! Also, will I finally get to complete my auto-biography that is simply taking a lifetime to complete!? fingers crossed xx

A few mini challenges no doubt throughout the year too and my 1st one being on 6th January doing a 4K run with a lady from Essex Boot Camp (EBC), called Karen. And then another event with EBC later on in the month of February. I know I wrote a little bit about EBC in my last blog (at the very end of it), but I cannot recommend how amazing this is for all round fitness and well being. Please check their website here thanks. I wish words could thank enough all the instructors that I have met so far, and the people that go too - what a load of lovely people! Thanks again to the directors Glynn and James.
Also, thanks to all the other coaches Michael Kilbey, Brian MacKenzie, and to Chelmsford Sports Athletic Centre and Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre for the use of their facilities.

Almost time to round up my final journal for 2012. I do still think about all the friends I have lost this year and over the years, never forget, but time helps heal though. I just wish more people would sign the Organ Donor Register to help lives for the future. And I wish my friends still waiting - that no matter what organ they are waiting for, the wait isn't long. xxxx

I wish everybody good health and happiness, and hope all your dreams come true. Please live life and relish each day, it truly is beautiful and I am nervous and excited knowing that July 9th 2013, will be my 7th year post double lung transplant. I hope for good health and to make another year.

Lotsa love to you all, and to all the continued support from each of you's xxx

Roll on 2013!!! xxx

Inspirational Woman Finalist

My Award

Well, here we go finally blogging about making Top 5 Inspirational Woman of the Year (Daily Mail) after thousands of entries. I have to thank my parents who nominated me on the closing day of the competition. Little did they realise, that my story would see me make a finalist! When they told me, I was shocked and couldn't believe it and that I would get to go to 10, Downing Street and have lunch with Samantha Cameron. To say I was humbled and very overwhelmed would be an under statement. There are many inspirational women across the UK, I still couldn't believe one of them recognised was actually me!

  For 8 years I have been campaigning as most people know on Organ Donation and LAM disease, one of the world's rarest diseases that brought about my double lung transplant. I have been communicating with people all over the world through social networks sites and email/letters and so on to give hope and inspire people. My website that was set up in 2005 was for just that purpose, as I remember all those years ago when first diagnosed with LAM - full name being, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, that there is no cure and you die. I was horrified and initially set up a website to let people follow my story as I fought painfully for my life. I always believed I would survive and would get a transplant (only in my dark days after being in a coma did I actually want to give up). However, my inner strength and determination after 15 lung collapses, 3 week coma, learning to walk again did I know I HAD real FIGHT in me. The surgeon also said, technically I was dead inside as there was no lung tissue left and hundreds of cysts destroyed both my lungs. I set about telling my story in the local press, then became national news. My website grew across the globe and eventually having over a million hits and messages from people across the world. Suddenly, everybody knew about me. I started this blogger site as a follow on from my website, and I have been journalling on here now for many years.

For the years that followed until this present day, I have continued in the media UK + Globally raising awareness, and even when on holidays find myself in newspapers/magazines/TV and so on encouraging the 'gift of life' and educating people and medical teams about the rare condition LAM. I have also raised over £10,000 for charity.

I always set about a 'self' challenge each year that I am still alive to achieve a new goal. This saw me travel through Europe on my own just one year after my transplant, competing in a Bupa Great South Run, training for the British, European and World Transplant Games winning over the years :- 23 medals (gold, silver and bronzes). Learning various new sports at the Transplant Games which I've competed  in from:- sprints (100m, 200m and 400m, long jump, badminton, volleyball, squash, javelin, shot put and discus).

This year (2012) was my most gruelling challenge entering the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race (leg 8) sailing over 4,000 sea miles. Also, making history as the first woman with a double-lung transplant to sail the Atlantic Ocean. In Chelmsford, Essex  where I live, my achievements were recognised and I won Sports Personality of the Year.

So, seeing all this in writing and having a video made of my life (I need to find out how to transfer the disc given onto You Tube - so you can watch too, which was shown to around 300 celebrities in an evening event), actually made me cry. I guess I have achieved so much and done a lot to perhaps make me an Inspirational Woman. But, I am still very humbled and just happy with the recognition and being in the newspapers again will only continue my plight on awareness for the future.

Here I am with a make - over on the day :)

Here with the other finalists left to right :- Pam, Andrea, Shelley, Andrea and Me :)

It was a very early start travelling to London for the awards event on 12th November and we all were to meet at the Marriott Hotel and for an overnight stay.

I set about resting up in my room, and heard a knock on the door......wow! A box of goodies complimentary arrived for each finalist.

On arrival Sanctuary treat box

Oh look at all the goodies inside

I was to get changed and meet all the finalists and before I knew it, we were all being whisked away in a taxi to No:10 Downing Street!!!!! It was a rainy day and a short walk to get into No:10. I couldn't believe still this was happening! After many security checks - the big black door opened and we were led up some flights of stairs and posing for a photographer with Samantha Cameron herself. A lot of photos were taken inside and none allowed to be used or published. But, I am just using the photo that was used in the Daily Mail article and taken by Murray Sanders.

Day spent at No:10

As part of being a finalist, George at Asda sponsored all our clothes - and I got a day and evening outfit all free, not bad - eh!

It was all a busy day and after returning back to the hotel, dress rehearsals were needed before the evening. Next, having our hair and make-up done, it's a hard life ;)



Make over time and I was asked what 'look' I would like, I replied dramatic and big eyes and that I am not afraid of colour and lots of glitter..such a girly girl.

Transformation in progress......

Whoop...starting to become smiley and dramatic.....

oh so moody look ;)

Mum and Dad

Nearly finished....

Eh Voila

And above captures the final image :)

With all the finalists again....

 The empty room being transformed ready for the night. It was amazing how many staff were running around moving tables, chairs and decorating the room for the 300 guests that would be arriving in a couple of hours!

Emma Forbes running through her presenting schedule before the evening.

Rehearsing with Emma Forbes and James Cameron

Seeing how to be when get presented with award - dress rehearsals. It was amusing as Emma Forbes did want to say the full illness' name instead of LAM and I had to help her a lot. It wasn't pitch perfect but definitely better than most people can attempt ;)

The paparazzi set up ready for all the celebrities to arrive, and I wasn't sure where everyone was so just pretended to be a photographer and hung out waiting for all the stars to arrive, lol, naughty me!

Loose Women TV Presenters Carol McGiffin

Michelle Heaton Singer

Jenni Falconer TV Presenter

Olivia Grant Actress

Amy Williams Olympic athlete

Darcey Bussell Strictly Come Dancing

Darcey Bussell and Charles Worthington

Ailona Vilani Strictly Come Dancing

Amanda Lamb TV Presenter

So after snapping many photos - ooooh what fun, My Dad rang to ask where I was!!! Oops - so I found my way to a smaller room waiting until everyone could move to the function suite. I did enjoy being paparazzi for some time, and I did take many more photos of other celebrities, but, just uploaded a selection for here.

Some information of each of the finalists left to right, firstly Shelley and her charity called Grief Encounter. Shelley became a councillor working with troubled children , helping them deal with the complex process of bereavement. In 2003, Shelley started her charity to help children deal with the loss of a parent or sibling. It now provides counselling for hundreds of children a week, supports 3,000 young people a year and offers workshops, fun days, residential camps and more. Shelley, a mother of four, has become a leading expert and author on childhood grief and works tirelessly to raise public awareness and understanding of the subject.

We were told that were all winners, but that an overall winner was needed to be named as overall, and that was Shelley as above. I was very humbled by each woman's inspirational story and well done to Shelley!

Claire was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 38 in 1993. After going a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy the cancer went into remission. Clare then joined The Women's Environmental Network and began campaigning for the removal of harmful carcinogens from the environment to reduce cancer rates. In 2004, after her cancer returned and she needed more chemo, Clare started her own charity, Breast Cancer UK. To date, Clare has helped ban the harmful chemical BPA from babies' bottles in the EU and the pesticide Lindane, among others.

Pam helps with her care and commitment in providing holiday homes for children suffering from life threatening illnesses and their families. Pam's 10 year old daughter Hannah lost her battle with cancer and died from Hodgkin's disease. As a tribute to her brave daughter, Pam decided to continue to raise money in Hannah's name. Since then she has spent her years fundraising to open 2 holiday homes on the South Coast, called Hannah's Holiday Homes, to provide a comfortable place for families with seriously ill children to relax and break the monotony of endless hospital appointments.

Andrea set up a centre called The Drop Inn a centre to help and educate local young people. In 1999 complaints about teenage behaviour causing damage to property and upsetting the local community in Belper, Derbyshire. Andrea took matters into her own hands and asked the local gangs what would keep out of trouble. The answer came back clear: something to do and somewhere to go. Within a year, Andrea had opened The Drop Inn, a youth centre providing education, training, work experience and activities for teenagers. On the first night, 80 turned up and since then 5,000 have passed through Andrea's hands, many of whom would not have secured a first job or passed exams without her help and dedication to the project.

Each woman I met and talked with was definitely inspirational in their own way, and it was an overwhelming array of emotions listening to each story and watching their video on the night.

My video being showed on 2 large screens to an audience of over 300

My Mum talking about me on the film footage

My Dad next to me whilst laying in a hospital bed

It was a blur really when my video was being shown......I covered my face as I tried to stop myself from crying. I saw footage that I hadn't seen from taking part in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Sailing race, whereby I finally arrived in Ireland after crossing the Atlantic Ocean and was inconsolable with tears. That part of the race was extremely tough for me and becoming ever so sick and unable to eat or drink much. I nearly wanted to give up....but fought to get to the end of this part of the race.

Then I heard my name and it was time to collect my award and to have it presented by Sarah Storey - Team GB athlete!!

Sarah Storey Olympic athlete

I was not going to let this opportunity pass me by and whilst talking on stage, I said something along the lines of, that there are over 300 people in this room...if everyone joins the Organ Donor Register that will go to save over 2,000 lives for the future!

Phew...food all consumed, awards presented, and Shelley winning overall inspirational women of the year, it was time to see if I could get some more photos  of  the stars (thanks to my Dad for snapping them). There were so many celebrities and just not enough time to picture everyone, but I certainly tried my best x

Kristina Rihanoff  from Strictly Come Dancing striking a pose with me 

Charles Worthington Hairdresser liked my hair :)

Craig Revel Horwood - Strictly Come Dancing

Let's Dance

Darcey Bussell with Dad and I

Meera Syal Actress

Michele Knight Astrologer

Kara Tointon Actress

Anna Richardson TV Presenter

Emma Forbes TV Presenter

Jenni Falconer

And that's a wrap.......

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And so there we have it, an event that I will never forget and always treasure. Recognition for all I have done and continue to do, and I will never stop. The next day we were treated to a day at The Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden, WOW, what heaven and absolute bliss! The time to return home......

I am so grateful for every day that I am still alive and now focusing on training for the World Transplant Games in South Africa (July 2013). It is going to be a tough period training, and recently I joined a bootcamp called, Essex Boot Camp to help boost my fitness and help my lungs. Thanks to the directors of the Essex Boot Camp (Glynn and James) for their support. I have done many challenging things as you can see - and it doesn't get any easier for me, I have to keep pushing and persevering and remembering to breathe as I push my lungs to the max with about 60% lung function. 

I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Happy festivities, and I hope to journal one more time before the year ends. Much love to you all  in the meantime and stay smiley :) xx