Transplant survivor tackles run to celebrate anniversary of operation.
Judith Thomas, 39, is taking part in the Morrisons Great Birmingham 10k on Sunday 3rd May to celebrate the 21st anniversary of her liver transplant.
Judith, a regional banking manager from Llanelli, Wales, was treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham 21 years ago for liver failure. She aims to raise £21,000 for the hospital that saved her life by taking part in 21 races across the country.
Judith was 18 years old when she suddenly became very ill and collapsed. She was diagnosed with Wilson disease, a genetic disorder that causes copper to build up in the body and leads to liver failure. She was placed on the emergency liver transplant list and given a week to live unless a suitable donor was identified.
Luckily, a match was found and the transplant was carried out at Queen Elizabeth Hospital five days after Judith’s admission. Despite being told she could be in hospital for up to six months, she was back at school within a month.
Judith says, “The Queen Elizabeth Hospital saved my life and I want to say thank you. The work the hospital does is extraordinary, it is a centre of medical excellence in this country and it stands as an example of why we should be proud of the NHS.”
The Morrisons Great Birmingham 10k will the will be Judith’s seventh running event.
As well as two Race for Life events, Judith has run three 10ks, one half-marathon and completed the Great Welsh marathon in 6 hours and 32 minutes.
“Crossing the finish line was the most exhilarating feeling, I was really emotional. But these runs aren’t just about fundraising, I want to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation,” she explained. “I want people to remember how important it is to register to be an organ donor.”
To help Judith reach her £21,000 target, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JudeThomas21/edit