B4/After NoroVirus + Other News!

BEFORE and AFTER: Beating NoroVirus

3 weeks after the virus,and my face resumes my "steriod look",geesh how thin did I get being ill again!



















March/April
March has already started and now over! Just goes to show how fast my life goes and I need time to actually stop and write my blog. I feel I need work backwards.....into the last couple days of February whereby I spent "time" back in Harefield Hospital. I became very weak, and posted on Facebook this, to which my friends were saying to ring the hospital. Being the "I'm fine, will get well" stubborn lass.....I carried on thinking I'm invincable and no need to ring any hospital. Well, I was soon eating humble pie after loosing so much weight in a couple of days, unable to eat, and the toilet being my best friend. Hmmmmm....something so not right with me!

Lost almost half stone in a few days...look at the before and after photo....NB...it didn't take long to put the lost weight back on, and my face to fill out again. LOL, typical....

My first day/night in hospital nothing was done, to see if I would get better. I think after a food/drink chart was being done, and the fact - sorry for the honesty, I wasn't able to pee pee. Docs soon realised - my kidneys had stopped working too. GULP. No laughing matter!!!! A drug was administered through an IV line for about 6-8 hours to encourage what nature lets us do naturally. Nothing was happening, then, OMG..........niagara falls - eat your heart out! ;)

However, weight was till dropping off, and I wasn't able to eat, and my once King Kong appetite went puff in a flash for days. BAh, more IVS! 15 hours solid to rehydrate and all that jazz.

I haven't really that ill since a very long time. Chest infections, coughs etc, guess part of a low immune-system being post tx. I can deal with those much better (even though I do feel crap at the time-probably more than people with normal immunity/no health issues)..

Welcome to my room as below at the hospital, I was kept restricted and contained as with a bug/virus, so not to cross-contaminate. No one likes to be stuck in 4 walls, but guess I'm a pro at that,after many previous hospital stays for weeks or months like that in past :(

And the ever so charming commode potties, poor nurses had to weigh my pee pee, compared to the ivs I was given, to make sure enough fluids were going through my system,and my kidneys flushing out too!

I left hospital and carried on about my week, still weak, but started to re-gain my love for food. About a week past, and blow me down, I was having a take-two scenario of the virus all over again! My parents were away on holiday, and I didn't want to tell them of my ill patch, as I knew they would fly back. But, this was a trip that had wanted to do - even when my illness was at its worst. I would feel mortified destroying that dream, so just dealt with all this. I will be honest, this whole chapter was a wake up call! I joke and laugh, and say I'm invincable...this proved that one minute I am doing ok, the next I can get very sick again at a drop of a pin.

However, another life used - I'm still here - and I say - Bring it ON!!!

Other News - Rachel Wakefield and Paul Kirsop both have had double-lung transplants, and are doing well. Rachey is still in hospital and recovering with some blips, but that can happen after a transplant. Rachey is a dear friend of mine,who discovered me so to speak in an article from the Breathing Space Magazine. We instantly hit it off, and had many hours on msn,email,texts etc and I met up with Rachey for the first time in 2008. I am thrilled to see this happen to a dear mate.

In Brief - 2 months (gulp) until European Heart & Lung Transplant Games in Sweden, then 6 weeks after that, the British Transplant Games in Bath. Training is going as best as it can, being ill set me back quite a bit, but, I am determined to resume and continue. Also, my goal for this year is to learn Squash and compete at the British Games in August. People who have been following my journey for years, know that each year I am still alive - I set a new challenge to achieve. Last year, was the Bupa Great South 10mile run (never again, was too much - but, I did it)!

Still trying to do more with my art, it's a slow process - but one day, I will be recognised. Hopefully not as 'Justine Laymond, Lam Lung Artist' when my time runs out......I'm sure I will still have years to fulfill this dream/goal!? And get recognition in this lifetime!!!!!! :)

Ok Ok, think I better stop here....will be back also on BBC Essex Radio on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May, for update on my life 11.40am

Ahhhh, and I also need blog about an amazing day in London - meeting actors from the James Bond Movies and a night meeting Gino D'Acampo (Italian chef)...watch this space.....

Thanks for everyone's continual support. Big hugs and smiles all round x x x

MY Birthday part 1 + 2

February 12th - Part 1

My Birthday and another year alive with new lungs...maybe not so new.. as almost 4 years in my body. The build up for my Birthday, I was counting the weeks, days, hours. Like a little child bouncing around after drinking 5 ribenas and consuming 3 packets of Sherbet dip daps. Super high and zany Jussie on a "I love life" buzz, infact every day like that for me now as still alive and still breathing :)

I was being taking out for the day and I kept guessing where we were going. But had no idea it was to a fabulous restaurant as in the photo, a Thai restaurant called, Yum Yum....and it certainly was yum!

The most deliscious and tasty food with great atmosphere both within and outside the restaurant, hence the need to take photos!! Ahhhhh, but nothing ever runs simply or smoothly especially when, My friend organised how to reach the restaurant by underground - ensuring me that IT was the nearest station and only 1 mile to walk. The weather was pretty bad that day and the rain started to attack, then pour like cats n dogs. My ever so curly hair - was becoming ever so fluffy n frizzy!! And after 20mins, 30 mins...1 mile!!???? HaHa, then I get told its actually 2 miles, but he didn't want to tell me incase I wouldn't walk it. I said where is this restaurant, and was told Stoke Newington (we actually left the underground station at Finsbury park). Surely, there must be a station nearer? And, I said aloud....I bet when we approach the road where we are eating, we will see Stoke Newington Station!?

And what would you believe.....I was right!! After 45 minutes walking in the rain, no brolly, jus a tad soaked through and cold bones..........STOKE NEWINGTON (overground) station popped up and said, helloooooooooo, right infront of us!!!!!!!! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry? Then I reckoned that the restaurant would be like only 2 minutes away from this point.....and yep, you guessed it, it was!? lol

After entering the fancy place where we were going to eat, I made a quick exit - no not back home,lol...but to the bathroom - to sort hair, face, dry off my wet coat/damp cardigan...apply some lippy and retain the ever-so not so glam Jussie now, and sit down with a smile. I was very impressed with the choice of restaurant, and the food was amazing! You know.....all in all, the adventure getting here was a bundle of laughs when you look at the bigger picture, and certainly one day in my life - I will never forget! How my mate, didn't look into the overground (British Rail) as he used Google Maps instead for directions.

SO as much fun as it was getting here and that it was a memorable day...doesn't mean to impress me, that an hour's walk is required before dining out somewhere to eat...hahahahahahahahahaha...We both have laughed ever since, and I had a great lunch - thankyou!!! x

Then onto to Covent Garden one of my favourite towns, to finish with a dessert/cocktails at TGI Friday's....and I knew where this place was aswell, so walking here was not going to be like .....doing a mini marathon.

After a dessert cocktail with ice-cream, then a strawberry daiquairi for me, it was time to head back home...both a lil tired, exercised out, cold...and ready to chill back in the warmth with central heating!! Thanks matey for a specially planned out adventurous day...xx

February 20th - Part 2

Yay, today's the day I'm celebrating with friends - an all day/night affair! I have been looking forward to catching up with my close friends for little while now. My friends are not just local, but all over the UK and some mates drove a fair distance to get me/hours - so, thanks so much! And with friends who have known/been there for me in my early 20's when my illness first began (even though I was not diagnosed until 10 years later).

The first stage of my celebrations, was to have a meal at a Noodle Bar in my local town, then carry on back at my flat...with other people joining in later for the evening. I was up early doors prepping foods and also the night before...just couldn't keep still - like a bee buzzing away! Energy energy.....buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

On arriving at the restaurant with what seemed like an entourage and piling into the restaurant, food was definitely on the agenda! Great food, great company, and fab chats, giggles, hugs, and exchanging of stories.

LOOK at my cake photo!!!!!!!!!!!!????? LOL

Back at mine, and with other friends popping over, games, food (yes more) and a dvd movie much later. At, midnight I believe I finally flaked out!! Partying all day and night and socializing more than a queen butterfly :)

So, that wraps up another Birthday, another year alive thanks to my donor. Next celebrations are in July 9th for that is when 4 years ago - this year, my life was saved!

So.....the next months resume with training ready for 2 sets of Transplant Games and day to day life - that is of moi, aka, Jussie. Happy smiles to you all x x x

Reflections + Ambitions

Here I am with a group of friends at the Annual Transplant Curry Night (Dec '09) in Brick Lane,London. A time for those who can get together with their family/friends to eat,drink,rejoice being alive and have fun fun fun!! I love this get together, and always look forward to it!

January '10

2010 and already time for reflections + ambitions........

My Facebook status as of today (27/01/10)
"Every day is a bonus,appreciate life. Take nothing for granted.Realise how lucky u r, n never forget those whose journey never had a happy ending.Remembering my friends lost n loved 2day+also to Jessica,hope u have a good send off.xxxxxx"

Gutted about Jessica Wales who waited almost 5years for new lungs, then just after Christmas last year - had the greatest gift of all! Two weeks later, Jess sadly lost her battle - her body too weak after such a long time waiting. So difficult to write words, to know what to say......

If you are not a donor - now is the time to join

BECOME A DONOR - CLICK HERE

When your body is at rest, why let your organs go to heaven!!!!!!!????????

We will all die one day - no one knows when, but why not join the organ register, knowing that for the future your life will go on in others. You are only friends with me, because I had that opportunity from my donor. Please think about it......and don't just think about it, and think will do one day........that one day will turn into weeks...then months...then years! Do something good today, pleaseeeeeee...thanku x x x

Just 4 weeks into the year, and I have already been on TV, Radio, and in 2 newspapers. Raising awareness and hoping my story gives hope and inspiration to others.

Also, I have an art exhibtion at my local library in their art space, which is going well and have had some lovely comments left too. I realise my art is like marmite - love it or hate it..haha.. (below some examples of my style).

Update on Squash news.......2 lessons in, 6 months to go before compete in Squash at the UK Games. Am I finding it hard - u betcha!! Me and my crazy goals!! Also, back training again for badminton, sprinting, and in a few weeks resume long jump. Exhausted me? hell yes! But, all will be worth it in the end, and a well deserved holiday somewhere. First European heart & lung TX games in Sweden (end June) then UK TX Games in Bath a few weeks later.

I can't believe almost the end of January already...then Feb my Birthday - Woohoo!! Looking forward to that, and someone special taking to London for the day :) xx

Over and out for now. Keep smiling. Mwuah x x

December's Snowy News

Hey everyone,

It's snowing!!!!!!!!!!! woo!! get your wellington boots out!

Where has time flown? I haven't posted recently - so apologies from me, as I have been so busy. So much has happened, and I haven't found the time to write up my news - until now :)

So...it will be a briefer blog as the build up to Christmas now (yippy), and I may not have time to write again until next year.

So much has happened to me in 2009....maybe a couple downs, but, mostly ups and highs (and not the kind from my medications..ok)...just life being brilliant and achieving goals that I thought were not possible (Transplant Games medals/10 mile Bupa Run); winning the Essex Achievers Award (Against all Odds category)...travelling about in different countries in April and then my recent trip in November to Croatia!

2009, has also been a sad year loosing close friends who never recieved their life saving transplants in time, or loosing their fight against ill health. I often wonder, why did I get lucky...and not my friends. Truth is, there still isn't enough donors here in the UK - compared to other European countries. The statistics are 96% people they would readily accept an organ if their life depended on it, but only 27% actually have joined the organ donor register!!!!!!!!!!!!

The photo here, is with the background view of Dubrovnik in Croatia. I will still write about my time travelling there, but, will have to do this now next year. I mean It is Christmas next week!!

I am very excited for Christmas this year, and look forward to seeing family and friends and those close to me. A time to eat, drink and be merry :)

I haven't done much exercise since my holiday in Croatia, and reckon will resume now in 2010. And if I'm honest, I'm quite tired from all the training that I have done for the Transplant Games...and will see what happens in '10, as to whether I continue to push myself as hard. Or just exercise to keep fit and stay healthy. Maybe, I might even give the Transplant Games a miss in 2011 (BUTtttttttt......obviously if I got selected for the World Transplant Games in 2010 for 2011 - I WILL continue training) xx

Highlights for 2010 will be the European Heart & Lung Transplant Games in Sweden, then the British Tx Games a few weeks later in Bath. My 4th year celebrating my transplant anniversary. And my goal for this year coming, is to learn how to play Squash and enter with this sport for the Transplant Games in Sweden/Bath. Yes, I am mad....but those who know me, know that I grasp at life with this second chance that I have been blessed with :). I also will continue campaigning/fundraising to raise awareness on LAM and Organ Donation through talks and various media next year.

Well, short and sweet. I wish you all a very happy and wonderful festive season, and a great New Year!! Hope my mates still waiting - do get their lives re-vamped like mine was, and more people register on the donor register.

STAY HAPPY & SMILE LOTS !!

Thanks for everyone's continued support x x x

Oh there is a heap of media work done this year, but due to technical issues - radio, newspapers, and other articles done - they haven't all been able to be published on here. Lucky for me, I keep cut outs (except for the radio kind..haha) - so, one day someone can view everything that I have done over 5 - now entering my 6th year campaigning! :) xx

Bupa Great South Run

Sunday 25th October

So, this is it! Today IS the day for my 10mile run (17k) with Imi Spencer and Bev Pearson.

And here I am, already a number 1 winner on the stand - just no spectators or medal for winning the overall race for elite women athletes..........STOP DREAMING JUSSIE.....Oh ok poo hoo, so here I continue my blog....

I travelled up the day before to Portsmouth and spent the afternoon shopping and chilling in my favourite hang out place, Starbucks. I think I should get shares in that company (for the amount of money I spend there...or become their number ONE fan)!

Later that day, I was to meet Imi for the first time - who had learned and followed my story through a joint friend, called Emma (who I haven't met yet - but plan too). It's quite bizarre really, as I have lots friends who have followed my welfare from when I was diagnosed with LAM, nearly died over and over, through my transplant and recovery, and up to now - the present day with all my adventures with my "new life". It is like a cyber world wherby we all stay in touch, even with other people with illnesses, pre or post transplant.

Imi's mother also had a transplant in 2001, a single lung transplant due to Emphysema, and sadly lost her battle on life after about 4-5 years after her transplant. Imi has said to me "knowing some of what you have been through makes me so inspired by your courage and strength to go out there and make the most of life, in a way many people wouldn't, and because of that I decided to join you in the GSR to support and show people that if you have the determination you can and will succeed". And, I was also quite happy to hear that Imi has run marathons and was going to help support me. I must admit if I'm honest, I was quite worried and although I've had my new lungs, I still don't have full lung function, and know that I can't run continuous due to breathlessness. I kept telling Imi, that I need to run 2-3 minutes, then walk the same, and start over, and thought she may want to run on ahead....and a search party would be needed to find me..lol. However, I gained more reassurrance again on meeting Imi today and the next day, by being told that she will stay with me whether I walk/run :)

It was truly wonderful to meet Imi, and have a chat, giggle, and meet someone who talks as much as me!! So, farewells until the next morning. My evening consisted of a burger with bacon and cheese, jacket potato...followed by fruit crumble and custard in a pub. Ok..Ok...rumbled...not the ideal protein/carbohydrate meal needed....but I won't tell anyone - if you don't..Shhhhhhh :P

I was a bundle of all emotions and thought I wouldn't sleep, and I was right. And sooooo confusing with the clocks going backwards. I set my phone, but my phone automatically changed itself too. When I woke up it said 5.30am.....but really it was 6.30am...too early, oh so confused, oh I need and want more sleep. OH no you can't Jussie, you have to get showered, eat cereal that you brought with and get the milk that you left in the bathroom sink filled with cold water overnight. WAKE UP!!!!! oh bar humbug.....

One hour later, I'm dressed in my sports wear, cereal consumed, coffeed up with the sachet left in the hotel room (the worst coffee in my life - blurgh)...you see, once a Starbucks coffee girl..always one :)

Thanks to Nigel who has been driving about for this event and to which I truly appreciated, if I did drive I would be tired ontop of my already tiredness. So, now time to drive into Portsmouth to the starting point...OOOOOerrrrrrr.......WE arrived in plenty of time, and were the first few cars only later to be filled with thousands!!!

It was such a windy morning and quite cold too, we went for a little stroll along the coast and saw the run posts being set up with the clock timer. Also there were lots of tents promoting various charities. Here I am, all wrapped up at the start with all the chaos still being finished. The other photo with the ever smiley Imi!

Also, I would be meeting a lady called Bev (again for the first time who I have chatted with via Facebook). Bev's young daughter has had a heart transplant. I have been looking forward to meet Bev, and here we are below all ready to rock and roll!!

I must admit, that I was quite overwhelmed by the amount of people - the atmosphere was electric! And my emotions were getting the best of me....I needed to hold it together. Quite surreal, that I AM still alive, and missing Marc Prosser who died a few months ago (who was also going to join me on this run). To my donor, who has made this possible, and thinking of other friends loved and lost with their own illnesses or pre/post transplant. Every day, really IS a bonus, and no one can ever accuse me of not living my life and making the most of every single day!

Hundled now with a massive group in the last band to start the run........the announcement went and a mass of people including me starting to walk round to the start line. I couldn't stop smiling and knew as soon as I went over the line...RUN JUSSIE RUN!!!!!!!! woohoooooo!!!!! And we were all told to wave on approach and this was being filmed and shown on a large screen for spectators to view. And if you look at this photo, there is a man standing on a podium in the left. He was responsible for the mass warm up for the thousands!!

I was feeling very happy and started as I intended to run 3minutes, then walk 3 minutes and all seemed to be going well (up to a point). Throughout the route, many supporters came out to watch, clap, cheer, and I loved seeing the children waiting to be tagged as we ran by....I tagged some children as I slowly went by and they smiled (which made me smile). Also people watched from their houses, shops, bars....it's like nothing mattered but all the people running through the streets of Portsmouth. Also, at various points there were bands or music being played loudly - which definitely helped motivate - when you could feel yourself flagging.

Seeing each mile marked out was like seeing the best thing ever. I couldn't believe it when I was approaching the 5 mile point (half way) YESSsssss happy days :)

Although, I was starting to feel slightly exhausted and this was putting a lot of pressure on my body. I decided it would be best to actually walk a whole mile until I reached mile 6, then start to run again. Approaching mile 7, suddenly I felt a pain my left leg and almost lost my balance? What was happening? I tried to continue to run again, and on/off this pain kept coming into my left leg. The only way I can describe it, as if a piece of elastic was going - ping and making my leg fall and limp over in pain. Oh dear, sadly, this is where it all kinda went downhill and went from bad to worse and my tears came and went. All my emotions again getting the better of me, and now suffering and feeling unable to run/even walk.

However, I kept going - it was like start/stop/start/stop......just as I thought the pain had gone and I had run a few steps...I went down again. So, I walked - only to find the pain was there still. I was making good time and thought I would be able to finish the event under 3 hours and was overjoyed that this would be such an amazing thing, and I wanted to work through the pain and keep going. In true Jussie determined - I am going to do it style!

I braved a happy face, and owe a lot to Imi and Bev, who had to help prop me up each time my pain came and keep hold of me - as otherwise I would have toppled over. So, now reaching mile 8 was fantastic, and I thought just 2 more miles to go - I CAN make it!! I knew I was struggling heaps but just didn't want to give up. WOW - I could see mile 9 marker and stopped for a photo and smile. This IS it - last mile - woohoo - nearly finished so off I started again. OUCHhhhhhhh........oh my goodness, I burst into more tears - the pain was now like agony and I was crying in pain tears. I could barely walk without wincing and struggling. My leg was throbing, it was awful. At this point, I thought as much as I want to go on...that I'm not going to make it and was devasted as so near, and realising the daunting fact that I just can't do anymore. I am not a person who gives up, and thought I MUST get through this. Both Imi and Bev was so supportive and kept encouraging me (aswell as helping me walk).






The last 100m and I thought, right pain or no pain I am going to run the last 100m and smile all the way to the end. I remember seeing Nigel filming us three approaching and got a surge of adrenalin and went for it...I can see the finish line..almost there..just a few more steps.......yes......WOW......



Then......unexpected my right leg screamed out at me in agony and went limp - I lost my balance. Then, like a terrible nightmare - my left leg went simultaneously at the same time. I felt my body just go and was falling. I called out to Imi who at this point didn't realise both my legs had collapsed, and dragged me over the finish line for the last few steps.





I was screaming in pain and needed to be helped into a wheelchair as couldnt walk. OMG, I was hurting and crying so much. I wasn't even happy that I had finished, it was just all too much to cope with. I was rushed to the medical team who looked after me for about 20 minutes to observe that I was ok. The medics actually informed me that it was a build up of lactic acid in both legs. The ironic thing is, that I had dreams that I would collapse doing this event, but, that it would be my lung collapsing. How bizarre for my legs to go, and I couldn't stop laughing when Imi said, "double-leg collapse" (I've had a double-lung collapse too) guess no singles for me - my body likes to cause optimum pain times two...though I'd rather it didn't!!

I don't have any photos of me at the finish line because of my drama, I will wait until the Bupa Run website publishes what they have and see my moment of falling glory before the finish line. I can't believe it - just 5 seconds from the finish - why couldn't I have collapsed afterwards...haha......and Why Me? Nothing ever runs smooth. BUT - I DID it!! The whole run took me 3 hours, 1 minute, and 59 seconds.

I later found out that there were not 21,000 runners - but 13,917 and I came 13,871, 46th from the last.


So, here I am in sick bay being monitored. My medal came to me, as I was unable to collect it from the finish. I put on a happy smile and consume the complimentary hot chocolate given to me. Sometimes, there are perks to being ill...haha. The medics couldn't believe that I had actually done the run, and were amazed and said I was an inspiration.



Well, I have learned that this challenge I set myself for year 3 being alive, was definitely ambitious and one that I almost never finished. Never again!!



BUT...now I have had a few days rest, and have been discussing doing another run! YES - I am mad, but, a shorter distance 10k not 17k! Also, roll on year 4 being alive and to a new challenge that I am still deciding what to do........



Lastly, somebody - and I have no idea who mentioned me whilst Channel 5 covered the run. I was informed that the message on the screen was something like, "every year Double lung transplantee Justine Laymond chooses a challenge and this year it is to run the Great South Run"........I have asked and even posted this headline on Facebook - but still clueless - and wish I could thank whoever did say this!



Well..thats it.......Jussie over and out, a hard year of sporting challenges to raise funds for LAM. My link is still open for any last pennies..lol



MY Justgiving Link



Thanks for everyone's donations so far, I have exceeded my target! And thanks for everyone's support of messages spurring me on, it all helps me.



Over and out, love you all x x

1 Week Before Bupa Run

Monday 19th October

This is it!!! 1 week to go...until the Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth, 10 miles or 16.6k! Am I mad? YES YES YES ....and another..YESSSSSSS........geee I'm full of a mixture of al emotions.

Excited, nervous, anxious, happy, sad, can't sleep well as all emotions getting the better of me.

I'm missing, Ida Victor - with whom I met in 2005 when I was very ill and when I was told I had a rare illness. Ida told me, "acceptance is the hardest thing, but when you accept - you can move forward"...and that really helped me with my own diagnosis. Ida lost her battle with Lupus.

I'm missing, Marc Prosser who died earlier this year - so unexpected but his CF took hold of him :( and who was going to be doing this Bupa Run with me.

I'm missing, Melissa Arnold who also suffered from LAM - like I did and never pulled through.

I'm missing, Julie Teed (who had a rare illness) - who I corresponded with in Guernsey - but her call for lungs never came in time.

I'm missing, Lynn Ashton who recieved a double-lung transplant - but sadly died some months after. Lynn was needing a transplant after her lungs got damaged from smoke in a fire incident.

I also miss many other people - but the list is too long to go on. So, as you will realise I'm doing this run...not just in memory of those I miss, not just for the fact that my donor gave me life, but also for the fact..that I'm determined to raise as much money as I can for LAM and help research find a cure for this horrific illness.

Here is the link below - even if only £1.00 - a little will go a long way - thanks x

Justgiving Link

As to my training for this, it was going well up to a point..then I was doing too much and not feeling too well in myself. Quite a few people were concerned about me, and telling me to stop, slow down, rest etc - to which if I'm honest I ignored at first. Then, I really felt pain and I struggled at a running class (2 weeks ago), and knew that I DID need stop! So, for the last 2 weeks until now, I haven't really done anything and just saving all my energy for this Sunday. I have no idea how I am going to do this - it's not easy, and I do still struggle with breathing whilst exercising (some people have seen it for themselves).

Anyways..onwards and upwards. I'm hoping that Imi, will still be able to support me at the run as recently she has been recovering from Swine Flu.

I have had my sports top "edited"......by which I mean on the back I have had the words " I've had a DOUBLE-LUNG transplant" in luminous BRIGHT PINK printed on the back...hahaha.....so I'm hoping some random strangers on the day..will pat me on the back and keep me going with words of encouragement...x x x

Right...that's it for now..have a happy week everyone. Keep well and smiley...and if you do donate - thanks sooooo much,

Jussie over n out. Much love to u all x x x

September - OH what a month!!!!!!!

I have written a massive blog for the whole month of September - whereby SO much has happened, and finally I have been able to write up all my adventures! October also has many happy things....and that blog will follow shortly.
Happy reading lovely people x x x


25/09/09
Essex Achievers Awards Night

WOW!!! That is how I must start this! What a night, the Essex Achievers Awards turned out to be. I was nominated a while back for an adult category called, "Against all odds" for adults who face major difficulties with courage/determination giving inspiration 2 all around.At that time, it was great to be purely nominated and I felt I had already won just to be recognised within my community. I continued with my day to day life, in the world of training fanantic, crazily busy Jussie and thought no more of it.

The actual night, was now upon me and my parents joined me along with my great friend, Fran, who as you know has spent a lot of her free-time assisting me (pushing me - with my training...even when I really have had enough.."just one more time Jussie" lol).

The whole evening was quite emotional, especially hearing the children's categories, and to be honest we are all winners just being there! I never expected to win overall...and as names were being mentioned as:- Commended, Highly Commended.....I kept expecting to hear my name. But then I realised after the last Highly Commended person was mentioned - and NOT my name, that - I had won!! Oh my goodness, I was shaking..and as post transplant patients know - shaking is a side effect of the medications. Fran checked if I was ok, and I said - that I was actually shaking (and not from my meds!!).

My name was mentioned, and I went to the stage to collect a great trophy and hear Dave Monk (Radio DJ of BBC Essex) say my story. The opening line was, "3 years ago Justine was planning her funeral.....gulp....I tried so hard not to cry. I was all smiles, until I returned to the table and balled my eyes out - emotion getting the better of me and quite amazing how FAR I have come and all that I have achieved with my campaigning on organ donation/LAM and fund raising for the last 5 years.
Also, that even though I struggle sometimes with my breathing doing exercise, that I still continue to set myself new challenges and defy the odds, like the Great South Bupa Run coming up on 25/10/09!














I think my parents were proud of me too that night.














All the other nominees for Against the Odds category - but to be honest, in my eyes - everyone was a winner!

Woohoo!! This is for - my donor - thankyou for giving me LIFE to continue!



















Feedback from Facebook after I posted on my status/added photos of the night - that I won
Laura Katherine Cullum, Emma Still, Rich Neilson and 19 others like this.
Sandra Ramskill
"congratulations" well deserved. xx
Andy Healy
xxxxx :)
Nelson Freytes
booooooyaaah! that's american slang for congratulations!! ;)
Marla Dreyer Hamlin
YOU DESERVE THIS!!!
Cheryl Buxton
Congratulations x
Hamish Barrie
well done you great to here xxx
Hamish Barrie
hear even but you know what I mean spelling not being my strong card
Eloise Roberts
wow thats fantastic! well done! x
Sarah Milne
YAY well deserved x x x
Karen Swift
Great pics.... well deserved and well done again...
Jim Lee
Awesome! So proud of you but then I always have been! x
Hugo Camacho
well done baby welllllllllllll done
Christopher Sidney Richardson
Well done Justine U Deserve It !!!!!!!!!
Stephanie L Gonzalez
It may be to your surprise, but not your followers. You are a living inspiration. Thank you for the hope you give and the joy you spread.
Gage Hanson
and you are surprised because? i sure aint! you deserve it babe...
Michelle Martin
I've seen you pre and post transplant and trust me babe you deserve this! xx
Sonya Pettigrew
wow!!!
Clair Hemmington
well done justine. You inspired me before my tx and still do now. xx
Donna M Williamson
You desrved to win xx Congratulations xx
Dawn Atkinson
Well done you!! Many congrats xxx
Annie Sekowski
Well done Justine! Very proud of you.
Emma Still
well done xxx
Laura Katherine Cullum
welll done hun!!!! thats amazing. marc would have been so proud of you xxxxxx
Rich Neilson, Donna M Williamson, Tim Gibson and 13 others like this.
Mark Roylance
well done
Jeremy Kalp
Very well done hun, you deserve it
Claire Lamborn
well done justine, couldnt have gone to a better person
Laura Perry
Well done jussie x x x
Laura Kirschner
well done, you really deserve it! x
Stephanie L Gonzalez
Wow -- Justine, that is so wonderful. You must share the news with the LAM list.srv!!! They will all be so proud!
Kathryn Flynn
And you have earned it Justine. Congrats!
Nina Volden
,well done, you really deserve it! Hugs from Norway.
Elizabeth Hosford
Fantastic stuff Justine. Well deserved and now we need to party!!!xxxxxxxx
Andy Healy
Oh Jussie that's wonderful!! Well done, I'm so proud of you and so happy that we are good friends... BIG ((((HUGS)))) to ya my lovely groovy buddy XXXXX :)
Crystal Craig Windsor
WHOA!!!!!!! Congrats
Nicki Torrington
That's fantastic! Well done :)
Michelle Briscoe
WooHoo!!! Congrats!!! You deserve it!!! :) :)
Kiri Kalp
What can I say you deserve it so very very much. Very very well done you are an inspiration to everyone. love you lots
Kathryn Crawley
Amazing ! CONGRATULATIONS ! XX
Karen Whitham
Congratulations hon...so very pleased for you xx
Imi Spencer
Massively deserved, ur a LEGEND. Well done u xx
Karen Swift
Congratulations.... well done! xxx
Louise Lawrence
O sugar...u more than desrve that...enjoy the moment...I am very chuffed for you...u well earned that xxxxxxxx
Charlie Allen
congrats hunni im happy for u bbz x
Lynne Carr
Congratulations Jussie...well deserved!! :D XxX
Andrea James
Really thrilled - thank you for being such a great ambassador, and getting the message out there. xxx
Tim Gibson
Congratulations!!!
Grainne Morrissey
Congrats!....u deserve it x
Deborah J Taylor Smith
Congrat's
Frances Bellamy
well done Justine, we are so proud of you! you well deserved to win!

WOW - thanks everyone - totally touched by everyone's support and fabulous messages.
I wasn't sure whether to upload these messages or not, then decided I would as if ever I have a down day - then I can look at this page - and be reminded by how proud people are of me - still to this day. Also, that all I do - does has an impact on other people here and across the world.
A great night....great inspirational stories by everyone nominated, and few more tears shed on my journey back home x x


06/09/09
Harefield Fun Day Fundraiser

A day to celebrate and raise awareness of people who have been given the gift of life - like me. Supporters through to families/children, doctors/nurses - anybody and everybody associated with Harefield. To also help with fund raising for a new MRI Scanner for the hospital. This event happens every year and I truly like being here and catching up with other transplant friends, and seeing doctors/nurses/hospital staff who were/have been part of my journey.

Today was great fun as lots of my family attended to support in with the fun and help with my stall. I am no longer making jewellery/cards (interested in focusing on my art more/exercise training) and was wanting to flog all!! I was intending to do the 3mile run, but after a weekend of driving lots and training heaps - I decided I was too tired and simply better that I enjoy the day and chill :)




Thumbs up Jussie and my stall











Lisa Muscutt and I (both double-lung chicks) and next piccie with my Mum x














Thankfully, the weather held out and the sun beamed down. A lovely day for all :)





29/09/09

Charity Night - Fundraiser for Harefield Hospital

A friend of our family, Brian Selwyn Barnet has all year used Harefield Hospital as a charity for for his local golf club where he was Captain of the Old Fold Manor Golf Club.
Throughout the year various events have taken place to continue with this fund raising.

However, tonight, was a special occassion - whereby a representative from the hospital, Don Bailey came to make a small speech about the funds assisting the purchase of a new MRI Scanner. I was also there, to make a speech about my journey before and after my transplant, and how fantastic the team were/are at Harefield.

After my talk, I was overwhelmed by applause and sat down - still to clapping. Then an auction followed shortly after and amazing how much people were willing to donate to Henry the Hoover..haha. Also, some great trips away - thank you to everyone on the night, and a grand total that evening raised, £3,500.
A couple of photos from the night, and thanks to Harefield Hospital for all the balloons, which as you can see were placed on each table. I also left donor leaflets/cards (for people - if they wanted to join the organ donor register) and information on Lam for people to read about this horrific rare lung disease. x x















Thanks everyone - yes, it was a longgggg read. Thanks for keeping up with all my news. Big hugs, happy smiles, and to many more gifts of life! x x