Man urges organ donation

A 54-year-old Leda man urgently awaiting a double lung transplant has been given a vital helping hand — and is using his plight as a platform to urge the community to consider becoming organ donors.

Delha Tuwhangai, a father of three, was given a new portable oxygen machine to help continue day-to-day activities as he continues to wait for the double lung transplant.

The machine was one of four devices donated by the Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation last week for patients who need round- the-clock oxygen while waiting for a donation.

Mr Tuwhangai was diagnosed with emphysema in 2013, having suffered from asthma and breathing difficulties previously.

The Leda local said he was extremely grateful and that the machine would give him more freedom in daily life.

“This will allow me to resume some of my normal activities and get out to the shops and to visit family — basic trips that most people take for granted,” Mr Tuwhangai said.

Having been on the transplant waiting list since August 2106, he said he looked forward to the day when he would be able to play with his granddaughter.

“Being ill all the time, it’s meant I haven’t been able to see her as much as I’d like to because I’ve become quite susceptible to respiratory infections, particularly colds,” he said.

Mr Tuwhangai urged people to consider becoming registered organ donors.

“Organ donation and transplantation really is amazing,” he said.

“I know people have to lose a loved one, but at the end of the day they are giving an amazing gift to someone who will really make the most of it.”

For more information, visit donorregister.gov.au.