By Margaret Archibald, Ballymoney (Chairperson of The Ballymoney Group of NITA)

The Gift of Life

I first became ill in October 1986. I was very sick and lost a lot of weight. All my tests were normal.

By March 1987 I became jaundiced which lasted three years. I was told I had Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and with care I could last for 15-20 years. I was in and out of hospital until October 1989 when I was told I needed a liver transplant.

I went to King’s College Hospital in London in January 1990 until my transplant on 18th March 1990. The operation lasted seven and a quarter hours. I was walking about in two days and came home to Northern Ireland in less than four weeks on 13th April 1990.

Once home my husband and I felt there was something I must do.

After an invitation to The Salvation Army I realised that I wanted to give my life to the Lord and, do you know, life has been great!!

I also spend time with friends at craft classes and attending Pipe Band competitions all over Great Britain with my husband James.

I’m a busy housewife, mother and grandmother with a renewed zest for life. Every day brings another challenge for which I thank God. Taking my anti-rejection tablets seems a fair price for continued health and happiness shared with my loving family.

Life does not have to slow down after a transplant. It just gets busier and better!

I run the Ballymoney Branch of The Northern Ireland Transplant Association so I can help others going through the same experience. I meet folk involved with liver problems and transplants and give them hope and support.