On Tuesday 8th October Stowe by Chartley WI were given a most inspiring talk by Sue Bennett. Sue was a young mum when she developed symptoms of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis - including horrendous itching, weight loss, extreme tiredness and jaundice. It took a year for the diagnosis which came as a huge shock. Unfortunately Sue did not respond to treatment and she eventually became ill enough to require a liver transplant. Her first call for transplant was cancelled as the donor was found to have an undiagnosed cancer. One of her brothers offered to be a live donor but needed to lose weight before he would be suitable. In the meantime in 2015 Sue was in a London hospital having special treatment when she was contacted that a donor was available and she was blue-lighted to Birmingham where she had a successful liver transplant. In hospital she was given a leaflet about Transplant Games and was already thinking about getting involved before she left the ward. Indeed she found herself competing with another patient walking on the ward with their drip stands! Since her transplant Sue has set herself more and more sporting goals, has learnt to ride a bike in order to do triathlon and eventually Ironman in Ireland and most recently one of the most difficult races, the Welsh Ironman which she completed in September. She has competed for Team GB and won a Gold medal in the 4 x 100 relay World Championship.

Sue told us how she was given the opportunity to write to her donor's mum and has been in contact ever since. Her donor was a vibrant young lady called Amy and her mum, Sharon, has shared lots of information about Amy. Her friends and family created a beautiful album of photos and letters that Sue shared with us. Sue gives her medals to Sharon to honour what she and Amy have done. Sue told her story of battling illness while still being a mum to her children; her experience of transplant; her determination to achieve her goals in Transplant sport, with humour and compassion which had us all rapt. Her final message was that we should all speak to our loved ones about their wishes for organ donation.

Next Meetings: November event is the 70th Birthday of Stowe WI so no formal meeting. 10th December - Chutney & Cheer Holly Cottage Preserves

New members & guests are always welcome. We meet 2nd Tuesday of month at 7.30pm at Stowe Village Hall. Contact our president Kath Hopcroft on 01889 - 270516, or - Facebook Stowe WI .