By XAVIER SMERDON
A WYNDHAM grandfather who was given a second chance at life is giving back to the community and calling on other people to save a life too.
Derek Claridge was given two weeks to live in 2000 after having six grafts installed in his heart following years of living with heart disease.
His mother died from the same disease when she was only 46-years-old.
Luckily for Mr Carlidge he was given a life-saving heart transplant, and he has never looked back.
In order to qualify for the transplant, Mr Claridge was told he needed to improve his health and fitness.
He took up bike riding which managed to postpone the need for a transplant for five years.
Now he will be using his new found love of cycling to raise awareness for the need for people to sign up as organ donors.
In March along with 24 other riders he will take part in the inaugural Tour De Transplant, which will raise money for the Alfred Hospital.
The Tarneit resident said he was grateful for every extra day he had been given.
“It’s been amazing,” Mr Carlidge said.
“Life is so precious I think we should grab every opportunity to extend it and push through the tough times.
“I’ve got four grandchildren now that I would never have seen if it wasn’t for this transplant.”
He has since competed in the World Transplant Games and in 2004 he rode 2700 kilometres from Perth to Adelaide to take part in the National Transplant Games.
More than $40,000 has been raised by the Tour De Transplant so far.
For more information visit tourdetransplant.gofundraise.com.au
