Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Conor Coyle

Co Fermanagh man waiting on double lung transplant to take on 24-hour sailing challenge

A Co Fermanagh man who is waiting to receive a double lung transplant is set to take on a 24-hour sailing challenge in aid of Pulmonary Fibrosis NI.

Marty Ansfield, from Derrygonnelly, has suffered from the condition and a number of other lung related illnesses since 2016.

He has been told recently that he needs a double lung transplant which he says will transform his life.

READ MORE: Co Fermanagh hotel to open 12 new lakeside studio apartments

“I used to drive the ferry over to Devenish Island and all of a sudden one day I realised I was very short of breath,” Marty told MyFermanagh.

“I phoned the doctor and was seen that day and told I had COPD, my condition deteriorated then and it just got worse and worse.

“It got to the stage where I was just constantly out of breath and would often have panic attacks as a result.

“It has had a big impact on my life and I’m on oxygen 24/7. At the start there was also a bit of mental pressure around carrying oxygen with me everywhere.

“But you just have to be positive minded and crack on with your life.”

Marty is now on a waiting list for a transplant at a specialist lung unit in Newcastle, and says he can see "light at the end of the tunnel".

In order to give back to a local charity which has supported him, Marty will be taking on a 24-hour sailing challenge on Lough Erne in June.

“I’ve volunteered to do a 24-hour sponsored sail on a boat which is specially designed for those with disabilities,” Marty said.

“Pulmonary Fibrosis NI is a brilliant organisation which has helped me a lot so I just wanted to give back a little bit.”

READ NEXT:

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our Fermanagh newsletter here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.