A BARRY woman, who was given a new lease of life after a pancreas transplant, is raising money for the hospital unit that helped her through her operation.

Rachel Johnson had the transplant at Cardiff Transplant Unit in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff last year.

And she has organised a Christmas tabletop sale and charity raffle - on Saturday, December 8 (noon to 3pm) at The Wyndham Conservative Club in Harbour Road - to raise money to keep up the amazing work of the unit, and the support it offers transplant patients and their families.

“I was a Type 1 diabetic for 31 years and had a lot of problems,” said Rachel.

“Things were getting so bad that my quality of life was very poor.

“My consultant told me I needed a pancreas transplant and it was a shock as I didn’t even know they did that yet - and I certainly didn’t know they were doing it in UHW.

“The operation was a very long one, but after a short time on the High Dependency Unit, I was discharged home - and then the rest of my life started,” she said.

“I have been free of four daily injections and endless blood tests for over a year now and it is wonderful.

“I feel so different, like a new person, and it is all thanks to the Transplant Unit and the dedicated and caring staff. “I will never forget what they have done for me,” added Rachel.

“I appreciate every single day!”

You can buy a table for £10 to set up a stall of your choice; you may want to make craft items to sell, or you may have nearly new clothes you would like to make some money out of - the choice is yours.

“Please help support this cause and make this a special day,” added Rachel, who will be selling her own handmade soaps.

“If you don’t want a table of your own, just come along on the day and see the stalls and buy some Christmas presents!”

To book a table contact Rachel on 07792 142999.