Double lung transplant recipient embraces his chance to give back

Mr Marshdale, 49, is the Australian Heart/Lung Transplants Association's inaugural ambassador, more than five years after he underwent a double lung transplant made necessary by cystic fibrosis.

Despite a "pretty rugged" first year post-operation, he won four medals at the Australian Transplant Games in 2016, competed at the world games in Spain the following year and since then has tackled triathlons, half-marathons and marathons.

It's the type of transplant success story the charity wants to highlight to increase awareness of its work.

Formed in 1984 by Australian heart transplant pioneer Dr Victor Chang, AHLTA provides encouragement, support and financial assistance to patients whose only option is a life-saving transplant, their families and carers.

Mr Marshdale spoke to The Border Mail at the Lavington home of his parents Garry and Heather during Friday's Jersey Day, where participants wear a sporting jumper to start a conversation about organ donation.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed some activities, he looked forward to getting out to rural and regional areas and talking about AHLTA's activities and his transplant experiences.

"To get that call and be their first ambassador, I want to do my best," he said.

"Particularly for people considering transplant because there is a lot of support, you just don't know about it."

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For all his sporting achievements, Mr Marshdale says time spent with his two sons, now aged in their early 20s, has been the biggest reward since his January 2015 operation.

"Definitely being a part of their life as well as now having the chance to give back, that means a lot to me," he said.

His own parents have supported him throughout often-daunting times.

"He was a model patient when he was a little boy," Mrs Marshdale said.

"He never complained taking any medication, never complained about his treatment."

The Lavington couple saw their son become seriously ill before his transplant and could not be sure he would pull through.

"After transplant, I think his first words when he saw me, 'Mum, I have so much air', that's something that will stick with me," Mrs Marshdale said.

"It's great to see him get some of his strength back because he always had the determination.

"CF wasn't going to beat him, it didn't matter how sick he was, it wasn't going to beat him, no way in the world."