Vic’s road to transplant

“Mountain bike riding, cycling and motorbikes have been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Vic, who was born with transposition of the great arteries, a rare and severe congenital condition where the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed which affects how blood flows through the body.

“Because my cardiovascular system was compromised as a child, I couldn’t join my peers in regular school sports like athletics and football, so I was determined to find something I could do and make my own.”

After several surgeries, Vic managed to keep fit into his mid 30s, clocking up kilometres on the road and even riding competitively in Australia and England.

But when his condition began to deteriorate, he was unable to continue doing the things he loved.

“It was really hard not being able to exercise safely and continue pursuing my hobbies in that way – it had an impact on me physically and mentally.”

As specialists worked to repair Vic’s heart, it soon became clear that his only option was to wait for a heart transplant.

“I was nervous when they told me, because although I’d joked about needing a new heart for a few years, the thought of undergoing transplant was pretty scary,” Vic said.

Reassured by his transplant team, Vic underwent a successful surgery in early 2025 and immediately threw himself into making the most of his second chance by joining The Alfred’s transplant gym, a specialist service that supports heart and lung transplant patients to prepare for and recover from their surgery.

“Having a structured support system in place to map things out for me and help me get the most out of my time in there made a huge difference,” Vic said.

“I was suddenly able to exercise without fear, knowing I had experts all around me, and could get myself into the best position possible to recover.”

But the benefits for Vic weren’t just physical.

“The comradery in the gym is what makes it special,” Vic said. “You’re hanging out with people who are just like you.”

“There are people in there preparing for transplant, many with VADs (a ventricular assist device that keeps blood pumping despite a damaged heart), and others who are post-transplant and recovering.”

“No one knows what it’s like to wear those shoes, unless you’re in them.”

Since his surgery, Vic has written a book about his journey, returned to work, and most importantly, started checking off the things he’d always wanted to do.

“My son and I go on a weekly 20km bike ride now,” Vic said.

“Without my heart transplant I wouldn’t be able to do the things I wanted to in life and I’d be unlikely to see my son grow up and make his own way.”

“Being able to spend that time with him, sharing an activity we both love, means the world.”

This year, we’re celebrating completing 1000 heart transplants at The Alfred by sharing the inspiring stories of those who have been part of this journey. Learn more at alfredhealth.org.au/1000hearts, and celebrate the incredible stories of our cardiac patients, teams and community.