My name is Paul Brabban and I am a 65-year old golfer, who received a double lung transplant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QE) on the 27th of February 2024. This is the beginning of my journey to the World Transplant Games.

In 2018 I was diagnosed with Hypersensitive Pneumonitis (HP) and as every year passed my health and wellbeing deteriorated. I was supported by the respiratory medical team at the Princess of Wales hospital, Bridgend and by late 2023 my lung function had dropped significantly, so the POW team started the assessment for a potential transplant. 

I first visited the QE in December 2023 to start the assessment process and in January 2024 I was placed on the National transplant program. On the 27th of February we received a call that a possible match had been found. 

Unfortunately, between May and October I experienced a few rejections and infections, resulting in numerous hospitalisations but with support of all the staff my road back to full recovery was swift. Since my health has stabilised, we are looking forward to a great year ahead. 

The illness and post-operation recuperation had impacted on my game as a golfer but I have never lost sight of the importance to me and the camaraderie the sport brings. Setting long and short-term goals has been key to my recovery. Taking part in the British transplant games in Nottingham in August 2024 was my first target, I achieved my goal and enjoyed the bonus of my partner Claire being on the bag for the first time in her life. What a partnership!

Throughout 2025 we will again challenge ourselves, first at the British Transplant games Oxford in August where I’ll be proud to represent Birmingham, then we will travel to Dresden to represent GB at the World Transplant games.

This life changing journey would not have been possible without the help and the support of a lot of people: family and friends, staff at both the QE and POW hospitals and the especially the donor family. I’m additionally grateful to clinic friends and fellow recipients and looking forward to embracing new opportunities and experiences over the coming years. 

Paul Brabban

South Wales 

February 2025