A Newcastle Hospitals patient is marking a major milestone this year — 12 years living with just one lung, following a life-changing single lung transplant.
Aged just 42, Mark Print experienced a progressive breathlessness alongside a persistent dry cough and was subsequently diagnosed with a lifechanging condition known as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a progressive and devastating illness in which the lungs become scarred, and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. It’s not clear what causes it, but it usually affects older people, and is far less common in people under 50. Although newer generations of medications for lung fibrosis can potentially slow the disease progression, at present there are no curative medical treatments.
A previously healthy and active globetrotter working as a cameraman around the world for major broadcasters like the BBC and Sky, Mark soon found himself needing an oxygen supply just to leave the house.
Despite the limitations, Mark didn’t stop and continued to work until the constant need for oxygen meant he had to stay at home. However he still managed to be in charge of the Sky Sports Football camera right up to his transplant.
Then in 2013, he received a lifesaving single lung transplant, replacing one of his damaged lungs at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Remarkably, Mark returned to work just five months later. Since then, he has continued his career behind the camera, filming major events such as the Olympics in Paris in 2024, the Premier league, Krufts, the cricket world cup and traveling to overseas locations like Singapore and Saudi Arabia. He’s even hoping to cover the upcoming World Cup in the United States.
“Most days, I forget I’ve only got one working lung,” Mark says. “I am so grateful to the team at the Freeman Hospital for their care and compassion – they have saved my life.
“I love my job and the opportunities it brings and I have been determined to continue working throughout. The single lung transplant gave me a second chance at life — and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
Dr. Gerard J. Meachery, Consultant in Respiratory and Transplant Medicine at the Freeman Hospital said: “Single lung transplants are less common, but are still an important treatment consideration in carefully selected patients with end stage lung disease by offering more patients, like Mark, a second chance of life. Mark’s story is inspirational as his lung function with one lung is better than some people with two lungs – he is not just surviving, he is thriving and enjoying his life and work, and that is fantastic to see.”
Now a passionate advocate for organ donation, Mark hopes his story will inspire others. “Twelve years ago, I didn’t know if I had a future,” he says. “Now I wake up every day grateful — and breathing easy, thanks to my donor.”
Dr Meachery added: “Mark’s story is testament to the success of lung transplantation and to the tireless dedication of the clinical teams involved in the care of transplant patients like Mark. It also shows the critical impact organ donation can have on saving and extending the lives of so many people.”
An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “Mark’s life was changed thanks to the kindness of a stranger. Transplantation would not be possible without the generosity of those who choose to give life to others through organ donation. That’s why we urge everyone to confirm their support for organ donation on the NHS Organ Donor Register.”
