Bernie inspires Clipper crew

Crew members Justine Laymond and Nick Barclay were greeted by local woman Bernadette Reid on board the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital yacht currently moored in Foyle Marina, Queen’s Quay, to raise awareness of the global shortage of transplant donors.

Nick, a kidney transplant recipient from South Africa, and Justine, a double-lung transplant recipient from Essex – the first ever double-lung recipient to cross the Atlantic - arrived in Londonderry on July 1 after sailing over 3,000 miles from New York as part of the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital crew.

They are two of the team of transplant patients, surgeons and specialist nursing staff – brought together by Professor Steven Wigmore, professor of transplantation surgery and the clinical lead for transplantation at the University of Edinburgh – who are taking the message around the world of how organ donation can transform lives.

Justine said: “It’s incredible to be here in Derry-Londonderry. Every year that I’m alive, I set myself a goal and taking part in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race is most definitely one of the highlights of my life achievements.

“The race is testing me both mentally and physically, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m loving every minute of it.”

Bernadette, who had a heart and double lung transplant eight years ago, said: “If it wasn’t for organ donation, I wouldn’t be here. I feel so lucky and grateful to have received the treatment I did.