Bunbury woman’s new lungs power a ride for research

A life-saving double lung transplant made travelling adventures possible again for Bunbury’s Sarah Twigger who will soon head off on a fresh ride for research. Ms Twigger will embark on one of her most important trips to date — on her classic cruiser, complete with a basket and streamers — as part of this year’s Breaths and Beats Ride for Research. She will pedal 29km to raise awareness and vital funds for the Heart and Lung Research Institute WA, and joins 10 other heart or lung transplant recipients on bicycles leading hundreds across the finish line in April. “I am very, very lucky to be alive and thankful to be able to do normal things without coughing or needing supplemental oxygen,” Ms Twigger said. “I travelled a lot before getting sick, so it means the world to me to be able to travel again. “Since my transplant operation (in 2017), I have sailed many beautiful places in the world, including Indonesia, Spain and Croatia, and had loads of amazing adventures.” A persistent dry cough had alerted doctors to inflammation in Ms Twigger’s lungs, which was preventing them from working properly. She was diagnosed with a type of interstitial lung disease, and her lungs continued to deteriorate. This year will be Ms Twigger’s second Breaths and Beats Ride for Research. “Last year’s ride was great fun. I dressed up and rode my cruiser — basket, streamers and all — and will be riding it again in this year’s event because it’s got such sentimental value for me,” she said. HLRI chair Warren Pavey said funds raised from Breaths and Beats enable the facility to continue its cutting-edge research which improves transplant outcomes. “Our 11 team leaders have all received a heart or lung transplant, and seen firsthand that research into advanced heart and lung disease has the power to change lives,” he said. “The ride is suited to all fitness levels, so we encourage everybody to jump on their bikes and help us ride towards research into advanced heart and lung disease.” Hundreds of cyclists will take part in the event on a 29km scenic loop from Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth on April 21.