2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Sam Volpe)
A Newcastle man is running the London Marathon in memory of the woman whose heart saved his wife's life. Ciaran Carney-Hughes is taking on the 26 mile challenge to thank the kind stranger who donated her heart to his wife Charlotte, who was diagnosed with a condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy at just 19. Charlotte had a successful heart transplant in 2018, but this was only possible due to the devastating death of another woman, due to an asthma attack.
Now Ciaran, who wants to give back to charity Asthma + Lung UK, is fundraising by taking on the famous London route. He said: "The doctors didn’t think there wasn’t anything seriously wrong with [Charlotte] at first, but I think deep down she knew there was. "She was so tired she’d sleep for hours on end and couldn’t even walk from the car to the shops or up the stairs.
She was so fatigued and would get out of breath a lot.” At 19, she was finally diagnosed, and told she could die within two years without surgery. Fortunately, she was able to have the transplant, and despite an infection and spending six days in a coma, Charlotte pulled through.
Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter Ciaran added: "We got married in September 2022 and it was a very emotional day. It was quite surreal knowing that, potentially, the day might have been something we never got to have but we are so grateful to the donor and her family every single day for such a selfless, kind gift." Charlotte has exchanged letters with the family of her donor - and through this correspondence learned how the woman had died.
Ciaran, who himself has asthma, said it had been "surreal" to learn about her cause of death. His brother also lost a childhood friend in the same way. "I decided to help raise awareness of how serious asthma can be," he said.
"And to help fund support for those diagnosed every minute in the UK. My asthma is well-controlled, but I know this isn’t the case for so many people. "My wife received the incredible gift of a heart which saved her life.
I am so grateful to be able to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. However, it’s important to recognise the pain that the donor’s family have gone through as well as their bravery. I won’t ever be able to express the gratitude for such a selfless decision in the darkest times.
" Since her transplant, Charlotte has completed her degree and the couple got married. Ciaran said: "Since the transplant, Charlotte and I have got married in Tuscany, relocated to the North East and she’s also finished her university degree. We hope to have a family one day too.
None of that would have happened without a donor. “Training for the marathon hasn’t been easy , but Charlotte has been supportive , and I know I’m running for a good cause. I’ve done all the preparation now so it’s time to just turn up with my running shoes on and enjoy the race.
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