Full green ahead - Alfred volunteer and transplant recipient to compete

He has a bias not only towards The Alfred hospital, but he is hoping that it will help him greatly when he gets on the lawn bowls greens at the National Transplant Games next month. 

Steve will pull on the Big V and represent his state at the event in Canberra, something which he has long aspired to do. 

He is only able to take part due to gaining “two beautiful lungs” in recent years, grateful that he has had no problems with them since the transplantation at The Alfred. 

During the procedure Steve spent 10 hours under the surgeon’s knife, followed by six weeks in intensive care and then three months living near the hospital in case of complications and to attend the in-house gym. 

Ever since then he has volunteered with The Alfred – making the two-hour commute each way from his home in Beaconsfield twice a week. Sharing, supporting and encouraging other patients while at the hospital, he also makes sure to drop into the ICU every week and thank the nurses and surgeons for what they do. 

“I just want to thank The Alfred for being who they are and what they are,” he said. “They’ve changed my life for the better.  

“My family are so appreciative about The Alfred, they always talk to their friends about The Alfred, don’t go anywhere else.”  

Steve is not only playing lawn bowls in Canberra; with a stint on the golf course and in a volleyball team also on the cards. 

“It’s not about winning; it’s about meeting other people with the same conditions I had,” he said. 

“It’s changed my life. When I retired, I used to just sit at home – now I’m playing golf twice a week, bowling ... I love it.” 

The Games run from 1-6 October.