Скачать или смотреть 40 years since Europe's first successful heart-lung transplant - BBC Breakfast - 9 April 2024

In the early hours of 5 April 1984, Europe’s first successful heart-lung transplant took place at Royal Papworth Hospital.

Brenda Barber was 36 years-old when she underwent this pioneering operation.

Having been days from death, she became a national celebrity overnight and the first heart-lung recipient in Europe to leave hospital.

Brenda lived for 10 years with her new heart and lungs before dying in 1994.

Surgeons, doctors and nurses from the Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust team in 1984 – some of whom still work at the hospital – were reunited at a special event to mark the 40th anniversary.

They were joined by four patients who have benefited from the same surgery, two of whom are among the longest survivors ever in the world. 💙

Watch this report from BBC Look East about the special event to mark this pioneering surgery.