Tim had a liver transplant

Tim is a keen surfer, diver and traveller. He never imagined he would one day need a liver transplant. But after cancer and several health treatments, a transplant became the only option to save his life. 

After a few months on the waitlist, Tim received the call. He said he felt nervous but also excited, knowing he was about to receive a life‑saving gift. 

Two years after his transplant, Tim set himself a big test. With his wife and a group led by his long‑time friend Michael, an experienced mountaineer, Tim travelled to Nepal to complete the Manaslu trek circuit on Mt Manaslu, the world’s 8th‑highest mountain. 

‘When we were planning the trip, I asked Michael if he thought I could do it. He told me that if I wanted to and believed I could, then I could. I took that to heart and it changed my mindset,’ Tim said. 

The trek usually takes 2 weeks, climbing from the valley floor at 900 metres to the Larkhe La pass at 5,100 metres. It is considered a high- altitude pass and can lead to lower oxygen levels and altitude sickness.  

Despite the challenges, Tim and the group enjoyed stunning scenery and tackled tough terrain over the 12 days. 

As they made their way to cross the pass, conditions soon turned dangerous as a huge storm brought heavy snow and winds of up to 70 knots. Just 100 metres from the top, the group had to turn back. 

They battled their way down in brutal conditions, only to find landslides had destroyed the track. With no way forward, they waited 6 days before helicopters could fly them back to Kathmandu. 

Looking back, Tim says the experience was frightening but also gave him confidence. 

‘The focus on surviving the storm pushed aside my worries about my transplant and recovery. The experience helped me feel stronger and more at ease with life after surgery,’ he said.  

‘It’s me and my liver; we’re in this together.’ 

Now back home on the Gold Coast, Tim is looking forward to the future. 

‘I’m not living my life in fear of another cancer. I’m going to live life to the fullest, in honour of my donor and their family.’