Pevensey Bay Op Mum’s Appeal for Charity Help

A PEVENSEY Bay woman who had a heart and lung transplant 21 years ago is launching a charity and appealing to local entertainers to help her in her quest.

Nicola Langlands was born with half a heart and given a heart and lung transplant in 1989 which she describes as a ‘wonderful gift’.

At the time, Nicola was the 12th child in the UK to undergo such a transplant. She then went on to break records by becoming the first transplant patient in the UK to give birth naturally. Nicola became a mother to baby Megan in 1998.

Nicola, 34, is one of the longest living people to have undergone a heart and lung transplant and she is now hoping to set up a charity called Beyond the Heart to provide awareness of organ transplant and support patients who may need counselling, therapy or advice after undergoing a transplant.

She raised around £2,000 for the cause last year and is now, on the 21st anniversary of her transplant, holding an entertainment evening in a bid to raise enough money to get the charity registered.

Nicola said, “I am so grateful for my transplant. Without a lovely family kindly donating their loved one’s organs not only would I not be here but my beautiful daughter would also not be here.

“As it is the 21st anniversary I wanted to do something special and help others at the same time.”

The event will take place at the Mansion Hotel in Eastbourne on September 25 from 7.30pm. Nicola is currently appealing for entertainers to perform on the evening and for people to donate raffle prizes and items for a charity auction.

Steve Hewlett, a local ventriloquist, has agreed to compere the evening and his wife, a singer, will also take to the stage.

Steve said, “Nicola emailed me and I was inspired by her in such a huge way because she has been through it herself and wants to help others.”

For more information about the event, to help with the entertainment or to donate raffle prizes email or call Nicola on 01323 768983 or 07796324405.

^{story source : Eastbourne Herald 14 May 2010}