Transplant recipient marks 25 years since operation

A woman who received a life-saving heart and lung transplant 25 years ago said every day since her operation "has been a gift".

Natasha Graham, 51, was born with a major heart defect, which led to secondary lung damage, with her parents warned she may not live to see her first birthday.

Graham and her family will mark the anniversary of her operation with a charity concert at The Salvation Army Hall in Wellingborough on 27 June.

She said she hoped the event could raise "vital funds" for Harefield Hospital in London where her transplant was carried out.

The celebration concert will feature performances from the Ynysowen Male Choir and soprano Emma Davis.

Graham continued: "Reaching 25 years since my transplant is something I will never take for granted.

"This celebration is my way of saying thank you to the incredible staff at Harefield Hospital, to my family and friends who have supported me, and to everyone who has helped make this journey possible."

Natasha's father, Graham Rogers, said her transplant had left the family with "so much to say thank you for" and that over the course of her life they had raised more than £100,000 for hospitals and groups involved in her care.

He said: "Since the transplant, Natasha has been involved in many things which once we could only dream of her doing.

"The highlight, probably is her representing Harefield Hospital in the British Transplant Games.

"What better way to show thanks and respect to the donor family than by taking part in the games and showing others that organ transplantation can and does work."

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