Woman who received a new heart 30 years ago to celebrate with fundraising fete

A woman who was given a second chance at life thanks to a heart transplant is raising money for the hospital where she was treated.

Michelle Abbott is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her transplant by holding a fundraising fete this weekend.

Her husband Jonny said: “The team at Royal Papworth Hospital are very important to us. Without their wonderful care and support, and the lifesaving operation they performed, Michelle wouldn’t be here today."

Jonny is president of Market Overton Bowls Club and has chosen the venue to celebrate the "momentous occasion" of his wife's transplant anniversary.

Michelle, who lives in Castle Bytham, said: “I am very grateful to whoever my heart came from as I know it would have been a very difficult decision for their family to make.

I urge people to make sure their families and next of kin are aware of their wishes regarding donation. Even if the law in the UK now presumes everyone is an organ donor, surgeons still can’t perform these operations without a next of kin’s consent.

The fete takes place at Market Overton Bowls Club on Saturday (August 27) from 11am until 3pm in aid of the Royal Papworth Hospital.