Testimonials

You are a truly remarkable person – to be able to stand up and talk to a group of strangers (for 1½ hours) unprompted, only a few months after your transplant and with such energy, enthusiasm and wonderful sense of humour it’s just amazing.
– Helen, Physiotherapist


As one of your 'wet-eyed' audience last Thursday night, I would just like to say wow! You are an inspiration to us all; a huge thank you for a fantastic and emotive evening.
– Anonymous


As Medical Correspondent for ITV News, I have interviewed Emily Thackray on several occasions, on the subject of transplants and Cystic Fibrosis. She is the most compelling speaker, a remarkable young woman full of passion and vibrancy, with a pithy turn of phrase and an amazing ability to get straight to the heart of the matter. Her voice may be gentle but she can hold people spell-bound. Her own story is dramatic and tear-jerking: hovering on the brink of death for many months, saying farewell to her family several times, losing so many friends on the waiting list, finally getting the transplant she’d waited for so long but then suffering terrifying setbacks. Yet her account is never self-pitying, she always thinks outside her own situation with compassion for others. She can hold her own in any forum, unafraid whether talking to a television camera, a conference or a (now) Prime Minister. Her campaigning work with her slogan, “Live life, then give life” has given her great experience as a speaker – she’s well worth hearing.
– Sue Saville, Medical Correspondent, ITV News, August 2007


The talk you made to the sixth form for us was really informative. It was pitched at the right level for the students and they gained a lot out of it. You are a very gifted presenter. From the session, tutors were able to follow up on the issues you raised. Students and staff will remember this for a long time to come, thank you. We will definitely invite you back again in the next term.
– Dan Bowen, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Epsom & Ewell High School


Thanks for a great presentation, Emily. It has made me think about donating organs and I will definitely donate my organs when I apply for a driving licence later this year.
– Louisa, Y12 Student at EEHS


Thank you so much for a really inspirational assembly. I can't believe how many people do not donate organs. It's a difficult subject area to discuss, but one that needs to happen, thank you.
– Kerry, Y13 Student at EEHS