Lisa Muscutt

Lisa, who was born in Surrey, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis aged 18 months. She had a very active childhood and aside from the daily regime of treatment that all CF patients undertake to try to control the disease and its symptoms, Lisa feels she had a very normal and healthy childhood. Her health began to decline as she entered her late 20s, and continuous progression eventually resulted in her spending many weeks at a time in hospital, became wheelchair bound and in need of supplementary oxygen 24 hours a day.

In 2005, Lisa was told she needed a double lung transplant urgently to survive. Without one she would have less than two years to live. Lisa clung on, the hope that someone out there would have been proactive enough to sign the organ donor register keeping her alive. Lisa waited 2 years, during which she received an astounding 6 false alarms (calls where the transplant could not go ahead). Lisa was at deaths door and on a non-invasive ventilator around the clock by the time she received her 7th lucky call for transplant in April 2007. Due to her critical state pre-transplant, Lisa had a prolonged recovery spending 6 weeks in intensive care.

Lisa has worked as a PA Secretary, a waitress, a youth worker and has been an employee for the Government since 1992, managing to retain her post even whilst ill and waiting for transplant.

Lisa first got involved with raising awareness for CF and transplantation by giving a talk for the Epsom WI shortly after her transplant. In 2006, a wheelchair-bound Lisa spoke in front of a captivated audience at the Simone Cowland Trust Ball for CF, prompting over 60 donations of £500 on the spot and helping raise over £200,000 that night. She went on to support the second Ball in 2007 at the Dorchester Hotel, London which was another smash success raising over £100,000 for a CF unit in London.

Lisa has also given a presentation at Hammonds Law Firm in London and on her 1st transplant anniversary, held a raffle and karaoke party raising just under £3,000 for Harefield Hospital. Since her transplant, Lisa has participated in a Fancy dress fun run at Harefield Hospital and held a stand representing the Live Life Then Give Life. Lisa’s incredible story, warm and approachable personality, and proactive nature make her a fantastic advocate.

Lisa has lost many friends waiting for transplant and feels it is her mission to educate people on donor awareness to save many more young lives. The gift of life is the most precious gift anyone can give and Lisa will treasure this for the rest of her life.

To contact Lisa, please click here.