Brighton graduate raises £13k from marathon after double lung transplant

A Brighton University graduate who had a double lung transplant raised £13,000 with friends by completing the Brighton Marathon.

Amanda Chalmers was born with cystic fibrosis (CF) and needed oxygen 24/7 while studying for her BA honours degree in materials practice.

Less than two years after her transplant, Miss Chalmers, who now makes jewellery, ran the marathon to raise money for the CF Trust.

After the run she said: “It was a great day. The atmosphere and the crowds were amazing and I eventually made it round!

“I would like to thank the rest of team who did amazingly and in particular would like to thank my organ donor and their family – none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for them.”

Her marathon team included Ed Bending, a fellow Brighton graduate and now the university’s environmental communications officer, who said: “It’s a very difficult race but a brilliant experience and we’re so pleased for Amanda – she is an amazing woman.

“The whole team wants to thank all of our sponsors who have raised an amazing amount of money and also a huge thanks to all those who came out and supported us, making it possible to get around the course.”

Other team members were graduates Yasin Dean and Andy Hehir, Hannah Jones who is starting a nursing course at the university in September, and two other friends Amy Baigent and Sarah Walker.

The total raised so far stands at £13,000 with gift aid.

To contribute, go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/justbreathe