A few years ago I was lucky to be a recipient of a corneal transplant. To my shock the optometrist informed me that I had keratoconus and I had to go to a specialist for more information. My cornea was in a cone shape so I was not able to see properly through my right eye. I decided to have an operation.

Five months later I got a call from the hospital to say the operation was to be the next day.

I had another operation to re-shape the cornea. The stitches needed to be replaced and I struggled at first with them.

My last operation was to remove a cataract in my right eye and this operation was fantastic. I had to be awake so I could see everything happening — even the disappearance of the cataract and the replacement of a lens.

I had many black eyes in this process but I have to say it was well worth it. I am able to live my life to the fullest now and have a fantastic boyfriend who is a great support and is the love of my life.

I love the countryside and am looking forward in the near future to being with my love on a farm.

My family have been there for me through thick and thin, they have helped me throughout the journey - when I have eye appointments, when I had the pain of operations and when the stitches were taken out. I now have no stitches in the eye. I am still taking eye drops but it is well worth it.

I am able to see again and want to thank the donor. It is sad to see someone pass but they bring life back to many others and I thank them for that.

Julie