In March 2010 Ross woke up one morning and said he needed to see a doctor - which surprised me as he would never admit to being sick. Tests revealed that Ross had extensive emphysema. A year later Ross's condition had deteriorated and he was on supplementary oxygen 24 hours a day/ seven days a week.

Ross needed lots of care and encouragement but he was very determined.

It was the worst possible time of my life. Ross's health deteriorated and he was listed on the transplant waiting list.

We had two false alarms but he finally received his transplant.

The day after his surgery, Ross' ventilator was removed and he was finally breathing on his own with his new set of lungs. I called this a 'Gift of Life'.

Ross had his first walk that afternoon and his first solid meal early that evening. He was still in ICU but was talkative with his usual sense of humour. He was in high spirits and on his way to recovery. No more COPD, no more oxygen tubes, no more struggling to breathe!!

Ross