Dubliner Terry Mangan is so grateful for the new lease of life he has enjoyed since his heart transplant in 1996 that he urges everyone to carry the “Gift of Life” organ donor cards and to “Say yes to organ donation,” Particularly he urges people to talk about Organ Donation with their families and next of Kin, and to let them know their wishes

Terry, who lives in Templeogue, issued his appeal for more donors as he prepares to take part in the 2007 World Transplant Games in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 25th to September 2nd.

“The reason these World and European Transplant Games are so important is to demonstrate the return to full and active lives of recipients following transplantation, and to highlight the great benefits and success of Transplant programmes, says Terry, who worked for many years as a Hotelier in the United Kingdom before returning to live in his native Dublin in 1981.

“One organ donor can save the lives of seven seriously ill people and I consider the act of organ donation to be the most noble, charitable and Christian act one person can do for another,” he says.

Terry refers to all organ donors as “the true unsung heroes of our society.” Terry is also aware of the comfort many donor families obtain from the knowledge that from their own sad loss other lives have been saved and in some way, and in time; this lessens their own sense of loss and sadness.

“Would you want your child or a member of your family to receive a life-saving organ transplant?  If the answer is yes, then you should carry an organ donor card. An interesting statistic is that you are more likely to require a transplant than become a Donor – all the more reason to carry a donor card.”
Terry thought he had a bad flu in the winter of 1995, but was given a shock diagnosis of a severe heart conditions called viral Cardiomyopathy in January 1996 He went on the waiting list for a heart transplant, and thanks to the compassion and goodness of his Donor and  donor family received his new heart the following August.

“I enjoy my life, I keep myself reasonably fit, I live a normal life style and I take part in Transplant games and tournaments, and I cherish my second chance with family and friends,” he says.

“I have participated as an Irish team member in European and World Games in Norway, Austria, Dublin, Naples, Japan and Canada, and now I am preparing for the 2007 World Games, where I will participate in Golf, Petanque, and Table Tennis.
“It’s not about winning, it’s about taking part, it’s about honouring our Donors and it’s about demonstrating that organ transplantation works. That’s a vital message to get out there as the need for a life saving organ transplant can visit a family with devastating speed, and at any age, even babies and children.”

Like many transplant recipients, Terry has become heavily involved in various Patient support organisations and in promoting organ donor awareness. He has served at national and international levels, and is the current President of the European Heart and Lung Transplant Federation.

“We support patients and families in the pre- and post-transplant periods. Those of us who are so fortunate to be transplant recipients can provide great encouragement and support and pass on our experience at a crucial time” he adds.

You can follow the team’s progress on www.transplantteamireland.com.

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