Isle of Wight resident Grant Ward has been in training after deciding to walk 100 miles for Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Charity.
It’s his way of saying thank you to the amazing team there, who carried out a live-saving double lung transplant on Grant back in the summer of 2018.
Grant was born with Cystic Fibrosis – a genetic condition that mostly affects the lungs, but can also impact the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine – something that has greatly affected his health throughout Grant’s life.
Ward: I thought I would get some fresh air in my new puffers
Explaining more about the decision to walk 100 miles for the hospital charity, Grant told News OnTheWight,
“It has been a hard few years, but things are thankfully looking better. On the 18th April, I thought I would get some fresh air in my new puffers and attempt to walk the South Down Way.
“A 100 miles route from Winchester to Eastbourne to raise money to support the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Charity.”
Ward: I walk every step with a smile on my face, even up hills
Grant goes on to say,
“These are the guys who gave me my new lungs, my new life and ongoing excellent aftercare. They are a great team that goes above and beyond the call of duty. I can’t thank them enough. But like all NHS hospitals, they need our help to provide this extra level of care for their patients
“When I reflect on how bad my breathing had become pre-transplant it brings a tear to my eye. I walk every step with a smile on my face, even up hills.
“Big love to the NHS I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Show your support
If you are able to support Grant, you can do so by donating via the Facebook Page he has set up, it’s very aptly called 100 Miles With My New Lungs.
Best of luck to you Grant and we hope to see your smiling face around Ventnor, where you’ll get plenty of practice walking up steep hills.
