Making every breath count!

Thor makes every breath count! Lung transplant recipient’s mission to raise money for The Alfred Hospital.

Hi, my name’s Thor Bloomfield and in December 2017 I was the recipient of a double lung transplant.  I recently participated in the Australian Transplant Games on the Gold Coast, where I won gold in ten pin bowling and the 5km bike race. My aim is to raise awareness of how important organ donation is in Australia, to offer inspiration to other recipients of organ transplants and most importantly to help raise money for The Alfred hospital’s transplant unit.

My story
I was born with Cystic fibrosis. It’s a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.

Like most kids growing up along the coast I enjoyed surfing and skating and then as a young adult, with my love of the outdoors, I started rock climbing, snowboarding and skiing.

In my 20’s and 30’s I worked as a model and actor. Having parts in popular television programs, commercials and movies. I loved life and there was no way I was going to let this disease limit me! However, as hard as I fought and even with all my determination the disease started to take over and my health slowly started to decline. I became more and more sick - I was losing sight of my beloved outdoors.

With the continued support of my wife, Emily and the unconditional love of my daughter, Catherine, we made the most of a bad situation. As a family we share a love of snow sports and even with a portable oxygen pack and with Emily lugging my ski gear I could only do limited short ski runs. Just like the disease, I wasn’t going to let the mountain beat me. But I was struggling to breathe, I was suffering from breathing attacks and I was getting very sick. I couldn’t lie to myself anymore – I was not going to get any better and I knew it was time to do something about it. I wanted to be here for my loving family for a very long time to come. So, I enlisted for a lung transplant.

The wonderful team at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne have been instrumental in my successful transplant and recovery.

I’ve been a patient at the Alfred for 21 years and I’ve come to know how dedicated and knowledgeable the staff are there. They have been with me along this journey. 

With my new lungs, as I take each wonderful breath in and out I’ve discovered a new appreciation for life. And you’ve got to run fast to keep up with me because I’m not slowing down!

Thanks to the wonderful team at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, I have a new-found lease on life and now it’s my turn to give back to the hospital that gave so much to me. But I can’t do it alone and I need your help!

100% of your donations will go to The Alfred Hospital.

The hospital offers several programs for transplant recipients, donors and their families.

My aim is to raise much needed funds for the hospital. Your donations will help The Alfred Hospital continue to fund research projects, improve facilities and equipment and run important programs that help transplant recipients.

Thanks for reading my story. My message to all is to enjoy every breath you take, make the most of life and never lose sight of your dreams.

Thanks to everyone that has already contributed to my cause including all my corporate supporters.