Mr. Robert Hurley:

It is my understanding that the transplant system does not work like that. I had to be assessed, which involved five days of rigorous tests I had to pass to qualify. Not everyone qualifies. Everything from cancer to heart issues matter. If anything is wrong, you do not get it. Unfortunately, three years ago I had more chance of getting a lung transplant. I am in a limbo situation now with very little wriggle room. That is why, with the help of the Mater Hospital, I am being looked at on a monthly basis because if I need a transplant tomorrow I have to do those tests again to make sure I qualify.

To answer the question about why the oxygen is important, I worked for eight months and if I had to go to Marble Arch Caves, for example, which is 200 steps, I had to leave 20 minutes before everyone else because I forgot to bring the oxygen. It causes issues and without support I would be in trouble. It is a big worry to have to do those tests again. I need the oxygen to keep fit because when I meet the lung transplant section I have to be a certain weight, my bloods have to be right and be able to do the exercise. I am lighter now than I was when I ran a marathon. I have to be 94 kg to 95 kg and I was 107 kg when I in this condition. It is a continual battle for me to make it and if I do not have the oxygen or did not have the time to spend four or five hours a day working on my fitness, I would not get a transplant. I know that.