A DETERMINED mother is preparing for a run of a lifetime – just one year after a double lung transplant.

Sheena Robinson, of Greenhaugh, will be joined by more than 30 friends and relatives in the Active Northumberland Kielder 10K to help raise money for the transplant unit at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

The mother of one was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs, in 2002, making it harder for blood to flow through the lungs. This often lead to shortness of breath and fainting.

Sheena’s condition deteriorated and daily tasks like climbing the stairs became difficult, and, last August, she required a life-saving operation which saw her two lungs replaced.

One year on, the 30-plus team of ‘Robinson Runaways’ will show their support for Sheena and the efforts of the medical team at the Freeman Hospital by tackling Saturday’s run.

Sheena said: “I used to love running when I was in school, but I deteriorated quite quickly after my diagnosis in 2002 so the Kielder 10K has never been on the radar before because I’ve always been too ill.

“Obviously I haven’t done any exercise for years, so I’m just building my stamina up gradually.

“I’m so grateful to the team at the Freeman Hospital which was just brilliant and I hope my story inspires others and gets people talking about organ donation and how it can truly change lives.”

Sheena’s story touched the heart of race director, Olympic medallist Steve Cram, who said: “Sheena’s story is uplifting and inspirational and we’re delighted that the Robinson Runaways have chosen to tackle the Kielder 10K to raise funds for such a great cause.

“The North-East hosted the World Transplant Games recently, which brilliantly showcased that people can successfully return to sport after a transplant. Sheena offers even more proof of that.”