The above photo captures some of the many recipients who attended the 20th Anniversary Service of the WythenshaweTransplant Programme and New Start Charity.

On Sunday April 15th Manchester Cathedral played host to the anniversary service of the Transplant Unit and its programme. The service, led by Canon Denby (shown here), was named  ‘A Gift of Life’ and over 400 people gathered together to attend - both recipients and their families, surgeons and staff past and present and supporters of the Charity.  It was an emotional day for some with Albert Hammond celebrating his 20th year of his ‘new heart’ along side Mr Colin Campbell who performed his transplant all those years ago.  They took the time to reflect upon the highlights of the years gone by and then Mr Nizar Yonan took the stand with the vision for the next 20 years – hoping they would not fly by as quickly as the last two decades!  The service was light hearted with recipients singing, reading and reciting poems – a fabulous day was had by all.

Members of the congregation show their appreciation for the reflections and fond memories of the last twenty years shared between Albert Hammond and Colin Campbell.

The Reverend John Dennett, himself a heart transplant recipient, reminded all present of the vital role played by organ donors and their families. 

Alison McGuire-Baker sang an emotional rendition of Robbie William's song 'Angels'.  Alison received a new heart over a decade ago. Towards the end of the service Alison was joined by James Caroll to give a very powerful performance of 'You'll never walk alone'.  Most people present enthusiastically joined in with this modern anthem of hope.

Alex Watson read a very moving poem which many people have asked to see again.  The poem by Karen Weddick, called 'The Gift', is shown here:

I received a gift back in ’72
It came from someone I never knew.

It came with no card, ribbon or bows
But sent to me that’s all I know.

It didn’t arrive in a box or sack
And is a gift one would never send back.

The gift in size is rather small
Compared to its power to conquer all.

You’ll never hold this gift in your hand
It’s given to people throughout the land...

This beautiful gift has set me free
What a precious gift and given to me.

This gift was given out of selfless love
And delivered to me with help from above.

These gifts are so priceless, valuable and few
When you know of this gift, you will agree too.

With this gift I can hold my head high
To dream the impossible and reach for the sky.

This gift has taught me to scream and shout
Now let me tell you what this gift is about.

This gift will not be taken in strife
The gift I speak of is that of life.

The gift of life handed me a key
It opened doors and set me free.

Organs aren’t needed at your final destination
Leave them on Earth without hesitation.
Every human will someday be called to come home
Your organs may stay and continue to roam.

No need for organs in the heavens above
Leave them on Earth for others to love.

Prior to the lighting of the candles on the altar table to symbolise new life and new hope, Mr Yonan, Director of Transplants, outlined his views on how the next twenty years of transplant work might unfold.