Steve Donaldson was on his bike, in 1980, when he began experiencing chest pains which led him straight to the A&E, and by 2004 both sides of his heart were struggling.
A Glasgow man who dreamt of competing in professional cycling competitions underwent a life-saving heart transplant, three decades after he suffered from chest pains while out on the road.
In 1999, Steve was fitted with a defibrillator and was able to go on his first holiday in 10 years. In 2004, it was no longer just one side of his heart that wasn’t working - both sides were now struggling. "When we reached October, I told my wife that I may as well give up. I felt like I’d never get the heart I needed and realistically, thought I wouldn’t make it to Christmas.
Since then, he has raced in nine cycling events internationally, and won. He is currently European Road Race Champion in his age category at the European Transplant Games. Steve’s message to everyone this Organ and Tissue Donation Week is: “If you want to be a hero, have the organ and tissue donation conversation with your family. My biggest hero is the man who gave me his heart, and my thanks go to his family for speaking on his behalf and enabling that to happen. Without him and them, I wouldn’t be here today."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bus services in Glasgow diverted due to floodingBus services in one Glasgow area are being diverted due to flooding.
Read more »
Glasgow mums' appeal could result in extra funding for homelessness in the cityFirst Minister Humza Yousaf has outlined plans to provide more funds to people in temporary accommodation after meeting with grieving mums Linda McVean and Maureen Thomson
Read more »
Pictures show aftermath of crash on Glasgow motorway as 999 crews on sceneEmergency services are currently on the scene of a crash on a Glasgow motorway.
Read more »
Popeyes' float spotted in Glasgow giving chance to win 1000 chicken sandwichesThe bright orange Popeyes float was spotted on Argyle Street in Glasgow's city centre offering shoppers the chance to win one of 1000 free chicken sandwiches to celebrate the opening of their new restaurant.
Read more »