Brisbane local Kate Phillips will celebrate two years since her life-saving heart and double lung transplant by racing in the Southern Cross University 10km Run as part of this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July.

The 29-year-old’s passion for running ignited after she was given the all-clear from doctors post-surgery prompting her to set a long-term goal of finishing the 10 kilometre challenge.

“I started running in July 2013 as soon as I was allowed to following my heart and double lung transplant,” Kate said.

“When I was recovering from my transplant I asked some of the hospital physiotherapists what were some of the cool things other recipients had done and one of them had done this.

“The event coincides with my two-year transplant anniversary – so I thought a 10 kilometre run would be a great goal for that milestone.”

Kate is hoping her run not only raises awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation in Australia but highlights what can be achieved by organ recipients post-surgery.

“The Donate Life Authority doesn’t accept monetary donations. Their main goal is to get people talking about organ donation, getting the word out there and getting more people to sign on to become donors,” Kate said.

“My life was completely transformed thanks to organ donation, so I’m running to show people just what can be achieved post transplant.

“I had always dreamed of being able to run and now I can thanks to an incredible person who selflessly donated their organs.”

The Southern Cross University 10km Run will be the longest distance race Kate has attempted since her transplant but feels she will be ready come race day having completed a number of smaller races in the lead up.

“I have competed in a few fun runs including the 2013 Bridge to Brisbane (5km), 2014 Cairns Fun Run (5km), 2014 Australian Transplant Games Fun Run (5km) and the 2015 Brisbane City2South (5km),” Kate said.

“At the moment I am trying to focus more on running so I am doing two to three runs a week plus swimming and a session of core exercises.

“I am feeling nervous and excited. I just hope I don’t psyche myself out come race day.”

For more information about organ and tissue donation in Australia visit donatelife.gov.au

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities across a number of events including the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and Junior Dash 4km & 2km races.

To enter or for more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au