A NORTHSIDE grandfather who owes his life to the generosity of an organ donor will fly to Holland this week to represent Ireland in the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games.
Donabate man John Dowdall (73) got a second chance at life nine years ago when he received a new heart after being on a life support machine for nine weeks.
Mr Dowdall suffered a massive heart attack in 2003 while in hospital to get gallstones removed.
“Just before I was discharged I had the heart attack and was at death’s door,
? he told Northside People.
“It was completely unrelated to what I’d been in hospital for. I guess it was just one of those things and I was certainly in the right place to be treated.
“I don’t think I’d be alive if I hadn’t had the heart attack there.
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The father-of-two and grandfather-of-four also counts his blessings that he received a heart and the successful transplant operation was completed in the Mater Hospital before it was too late.
“I’m ever so grateful and could never thank the donor and his or her family enough for the gift of life they gave me,
? he said.
“I write to the family a few times each year around Christmas time and the anniversary of my operation to let them know how I’m doing and how grateful I am to them.
“Hopefully it’s of some comfort to them to know that their loved one’s organ went to such good use.
“I don’t know who they are or anything about the donor. I could pass their family members on the street and neither of us would realise how closely we’re connected.
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Mr Dowdall has a new lease of life and is hoping to pick up yet another medal at the games which begin this week.
He and his wife Peg will travel to Holland for the games, which take place from June 26 to July 1.
He will compete in golf, the 4,000-metre cross-country walk, as well as field and track games.
He won a gold medal for golf during the games held in 2008.
“I’m really looking forward to it because it’s such a great event to be involved in,
? John explained.
“I’m the same as everyone else who is there.
“We’re winners even before we compete because we’re alive and we were given the gift of life through the generosity of organ donors and their families.
“It’s heartwarming to see some people who only had transplant operations a few months previously putting in so much effort for themselves and for their donor.
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Last year was a landmark year for organ donation in Ireland. There were 93 deceased organ donors, which allowed 248 organ transplants to be carried out.
There are currently 650 patients awaiting transplantation in Ireland. One donor can potentially help nine other people.
If you wish to become an organ donor after your death you should inform your next-of-kin of your intentions as consent is never presumed even if a donor card has been signed.
To request an organ donation card visit www.organdonation.ie or www.ika.ie