HUNDREDS of patients given a second chance at life are gathering this weekend to mark the 30th anniversary of heart and lung transplantation in the North-East.

The first heart transplant to be carried out in the region took place 30 years ago in May 1985 when surgeon Christopher McGregor operated on North-East patient Pauline Duffy - who was given another 25 years life after receiving a new heart.

On Saturday (May 9) hundreds of former patients and members of staff will attend a celebratory luncheon event at the Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel in Newcastle.

Derek Airey, chairman of the Freeman Heart and Lung Transplant Association, said: ‘On behalf of the patients and their families I am privileged to say thank you to the Freeman Transplant Team for their expertise, care and dedication over the last 30 years.

“Since 1985, 2000 heart and lung transplants have been performed, in both children and adults, which include the first successful single lung transplant in Europe, and the first successful surviving baby heart transplant, Kaylee, who has just celebrated her 28th birthday!”

The Institute of Transplantation at the Freeman Hospital is regarded as a centre of excellence.

The Freeman Hospital is one of only two UK centres’ performing paediatric transplants, and is the main centre in the UK transplanting adults born with congenital heart disease.

Lynne Holt, clinical transplant coordinator, said: “I am constantly in awe of the courage of our patients and families, although I continue to struggle with the high numbers of patients who die waiting for an organ to be donated.

"Ultimately, the success of the Freeman Hospital Transplant Programme would not have been possible without the generosity of the donors and their families. We would encourage all to consider signing on to the NHS Organ Donor Register and discuss their wishes now with their families”