Heart transplant inspires Lucy to become a nurse
A young woman is planning to become a nurse after receiving life-saving treatment at Scotland’s only heart transplant centre at NHS Golden Jubilee.
Lucy Smith, 23, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2024 and was transferred to the Scottish National Advanced Heart Failure Service (SNAHFS) at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital where she underwent a successful transplant.
Now feeling stronger than ever, Lucy is making the most of every moment and is highlighting her transplant journey for Organ and Tissue Donation Week (22 – 28 September), a vital opportunity to raise awareness and encourage conversations around organ and tissue donation.
This year’s campaign celebrates 30 years of the NHS Organ Donor Register, and calls on everyone to make their donation decision known.
A year on from receiving the gift of life with a new heart from an organ donor, Lucy is looking forward to a bright future by returning to work and pursuing her dream of helping others in healthcare after being inspired by the care she received at the Clydebank hospital.
Lucy, from Annan, Dumfries and Galloway,said: “I’ve worked in care since I was 16 and I really miss it.
“I’m focusing now on completing my SVQ and working towards a career in nursing - hopefully even in a hospital setting. I want to use what I’ve been through to support other people. That’s what I love most.
“You realise how quickly life can change. I’ve been planning holidays, making memories with friends and family and just living each day to the fullest.”
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a hereditary disease and since Lucy’s transplant, tests have revealed her mum Ashley, brother Robbie and aunt Hayley also have the condition.
Lucy’s friends and family have also raised thousands of pounds to support the hospital and transplant service, including a darts competition held in her hometown raising over £4,000, which will help fund specialist equipment and wellbeing support for staff and patients.
In addition to the darts night, Lucy’s best friend Shannon Rees is now preparing for a skydive in aid of NHS Golden Jubilee, further adding to the community’s incredible fundraising efforts.
Lucy added: “I’d like to thank everyone for their love and support for the fundraising and throughout my transplant journey.
“Organ Donation Week is a time to reflect on how lucky I am that my donor made their wish known to donate their organs and I am eternally grateful for that.
“Organ donation saved my life and every donor has the potential to help multiple people, like me, have a second chance at life.”
NHS Golden Jubilee has been the sole provider of Scottish heart transplants since 2008 and has now carried out 285 within the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital.
The service has carried out 18 heart transplants so far this year (from 31 March 2024), while 29 Scottish patients received the life-saving treatment the previous year.
NHS Golden Jubilee Chief Executive, Carolynne O’Connor, said: “Here at NHS Golden Jubilee, as Scotland’s only adult heart transplant centre, we see every day the life-changing impact of organ donation.
“Organ Donation Week is a time to acknowledge the importance of making your decision known. Not just registering it, but sharing it with your loved ones.
“Behind every transplant is a story of hope, people who are living full lives today thanks to the generosity of donors and their families.
“We proudly support the Scottish Government’s campaign, ‘Let’s Make a Life Changing Difference Together’, so please take a moment to register your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register - and most importantly, talk to your family about it.”
Register your decision: http://bit.ly/4gKqSjK
Find out more at www.organdonation.scot.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
This Organ and Tissue Donation Week, people are being encouraged to leave no doubt when it comes to their donation decision.
In Scotland, everyone has a choice when it comes to organ and tissue donation - to be a donor, or to opt out.
If people aged 16 and over choose to do nothing, it is assumed they agree to be a donor if they die in circumstances where donation is possible, unless they are in a group for whom the opt out system does not apply or it would be against their views.
If you’ve made your organ and tissue donation decision, tell your family and friends.
Because if your loved ones know your decision, it’ll make it easier for them to ensure it is honoured.
Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt.
