Cork athlete Daniel McCarthy, a veteran of European and World Games, has written a book on his heart transplant experience. It’s called My New Heart. He wrote it 12 years ago and sold every copy.

Daniel McCarthy had heart problems when he was born, but he has battled all the way.

He is grateful for the new life he has gained, and in his book, he describes his feelings at his first major Games – the European Heart Transplant Games in Helsinki – as the official opening was performed by Dr Christian Barnard, the first man ever to perform a heart transplant:

“Stand beside Dr Barnard…I felt my heart leap within me with gratitude, not just for myself but for the hundreds of people there whose lives had been saved.

“He is a kind and gentle man, not arrogant as perhaps he has every right to be. I treasure my photo of us together because if anyone ever had a hero, he is mine.”

A family member commented: “Daniel talked about Dr Barnard for ages after Helsinki, awed that such a great man seemed so humble, so grateful for his own gift of life.”

Daniel is here in Thailand with the Irish team and we will keep you posted on his progress.

For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050 or for more information log on to www.ika.ie.