With a new heart, Mandy’s off and racing

Next, she’ll compete in seven events at the 2026 Australian Transplant Games in Tasmania.

An accomplished runner before life-changing surgery at The Alfred, Mandy has embraced the gift of a second chance at life given by her donor.

The former Australian 1500m champion underwent a heart transplant after being diagnosed with giant cell myocarditis, a rare autoimmune condition that causes severe inflammation and scarring of the heart.

“I fell critically ill suddenly at home in Tasmania, just as my husband Tony and I were preparing to leave for a long-awaited music festival in Broken Hill,” Mandy said.

After initial treatment in Hobart, Mandy was flown to The Alfred.

Following a comprehensive assessment, she was listed for a heart transplant. While waiting for a suitable donor heart, she became critically unwell, requiring multiple Medical Emergency Team (MET) responses and repeated defibrillation.

As Mandy's condition worsened, her medical team worked to stabilise her while awaiting a suitable donor heart.

"Every heart transplant relies on the extraordinary generosity of a donor and their family," said A/Prof Hitesh Patel, Deputy Director of Cardiology and Head of the statewide Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant unit at The Alfred.

"Because donor hearts are so scarce, a complex matching process is used to ensure each organ goes to the most appropriate recipient."

Mandy ultimately received a donor heart and underwent a successful transplant.

“While Mandy's recovery has been extraordinary, every transplant journey is unique.

“Her return to running reflects both a lifetime of fitness and the expertise and support of the many teams involved in her care,” A/Prof Patel said.

Following her transplant, Mandy spent time in intensive care and on the ward before completing physiotherapy and rehabilitation to prepare for her return to Hobart.

“At first I started small at the transplant gym, working with physios to set short, medium and long-term goals,” Mandy said.

“Initially, I just wanted to walk from one bench seat to the next in Fawkner Park opposite the hospital, but things grew from there.

“I can’t run like I used to, but I’m lucky to still be running after 50 years. I used to go at 100 miles an hour and now I go at 99.”

Five months after arriving at The Alfred, Mandy returned home to Tasmania.

In August, she completed the Sunshine Coast Marathon in five-and-a-half hours, running and walking her way across the finish line.

Today, she continues regular follow-up with her transplant team, including ongoing monitoring and medication to protect her donor heart.

“I hope it’s comforting for donor families to see donor recipients like me living life,” she said.

Recently, Mandy was finally able to enjoy the trip she and Tony had planned before she became ill, attending the Mundi Mundi Bash near Broken Hill and camping along the Murray River.

And now she’s preparing to compete in seven events at the Transplant Games.

“I owe the team at The Alfred my life. They were always so upbeat and just a joy to be around. To see the smiles on their faces whenever I come in is a reward for me,” she said.

“It’s because of that team that I’m out doing what I love.

“I couldn’t imagine not being here with my husband and children.”