Peter Moore has been swimming to raise awareness for organ donation even though he has only had 18% to 24% and now he finally has a new set of lungs.
In August this year, we shared the news of Peter Moore, a dedicated organ donation advocate, who sent us the happy news that he was finally placed on the transplant list. Now just a few months later, he is the ninth patient to receive new lungs since the transplant programme was started at Groote Schuur Hospital in November 2017
The former navy marine now uses his skills to raise awareness for organ donation in South Africa. He had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which required him to have a double lung transplant.
Peter suffered burns to his lungs when he rescued children from a creche after a chlorine gas leak. He was left with only between 18% and 24% lung capacity. Despite his struggles, he was determined to make a difference. He completed a 7km swim through freezing water to raise awareness for organ donation.
Now we are excited to share that he received a double lung transplant over the weekend and is doing well. He is currently in the ICU but has been taken off the ventilator and has said he is feeling great.
Peter and his wife received the call at 2:30 am on Friday morning and by Saturday, he was off the ventilator and able to say a few words.
His wife Cheryl confirmed in an interview with the Herald Live in Port Elizabeth, this wouldn’t have been possible without this donor or the family of the donor.
“If he did not have an organ donor, this never would have happened,” she said.
“I am also very sad for the family that lost a member – he or she will live on.”
We are so happy that Peter received his new lungs, we know that all his efforts to raise awareness have paid off.
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