My name is Clive and I received a heart transplant at the age of 12 in October 1984.

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy had affected several members of my family, so I was monitored throughout my childhood. Despite this, I was a healthy boy and never considered myself ill. I was more interested in friends and Scouting than medical appointments.

Everything changed during a family holiday in the summer of 1984 when I caught a virus that caused my health to deteriorate rapidly. Events moved quickly. I was flown back to the UK and admitted directly to the Brompton Hospital before being transferred to Harefield Hospital to await a heart transplant.

At the time, heart transplantation was still pioneering surgery and the future was far less certain than it is today. I was fortunate to come under the care of Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. A few weeks before my thirteenth birthday, I received my donor heart and was home three weeks later.

I returned to an active life, continued my involvement in Scouting, went on to university and built a long career in information technology that I still enjoy today. I have been fortunate to share my life with my wonderful partner, Nicola, and to enjoy many of the experiences that most people take for granted but which would not have been possible without my donor’s gift.

Throughout my life I have tried not to define myself by my transplant. Instead, I have focused on living as normal a life as possible while never forgetting the extraordinary gift that made it possible.

I attended my first Harefield Transplant Club event in 1985 and remain actively involved today as Vice Chair of the Club. I have competed in the British Transplant Games and continue to support other transplant recipients. I remain active, regularly going to the gym, walking and using my Peloton bike.

One of the friendships I value most is with Bert, who received his heart transplant only a few months before me. As two people transplanted during the pioneering days of heart transplantation, we are both still here more than four decades later.

Reaching more than 40 years after my transplant I hope means that my story gives encouragement to those awaiting a transplant and reassurance to those who have recently received one. It is possible to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life after transplantation.

I remain deeply grateful to my donor and their family for the extraordinary gift they gave. Their decision made everything that followed possible, and I hope my life shows the difference that organ donation can make.