Larry takes on the cycle of life

Larry Virtue receiving his Tour de Transplant jersey from cyclist Phil Anderson. 150741 Picture: IAN STUBBER

By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM

WHEN the Tour De Transplant whizzes down the Great Ocean Road next month, among the riders will be Bunyip’s own Larry Virtue.
It will be a gruelling ride – 600 kilometres over five days, stretched along the hills of Victoria’s western coastline.
Larry’s ride will be made even more impressive by the fact that he received a heart transplant less than two years ago.
In April 2009, the 66-year-old was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy after experiencing shortness of breath. He was referred to the Heart Centre at The Alfred, and in February 2010 a defibrillator was first implanted. A replacement was needed in November 2013, when Larry’s health took a turn for the worse.
Excessive fluid in the body led to hospitalisation, and doctors prepared Larry for surgery to implant a Ventricular Assist Device (mechanical heart), which would keep him alive for 15 weeks until a donor heart became available.
At 4.30am one morning in June 2014, Larry received the call that would change his life forever. The transplant team had found a donor heart for him, and the surgery was performed.
Much of Larry’s rehabilitation process took place in The Alfred gym, where he one day witnessed the presentation of a framed yellow jersey. The jersey was from the 2014 Tour de Transplant and would be displayed in the gym, which became a great source of inspiration.
Larry made it his goal to one day complete the Tour de Transplant, making the most of his second chance at life.
On 2 March, that goal will be realised as Larry lines up to begin the 2016 Tour de Transplant.
Led by Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson, the cycling team consists of 35 riders including four transplant recipients.
Organisers hope the challenge will raise $150,000 to be put towards essential accommodation for the families of heart and lung transplant recipients.
They also hope it will highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation.
Personally, Larry hopes to show other recipients that nothing is impossible post-transplant.
“Just be sensible in what you do and don’t let yourself be wrapped in cotton wool,” he said.
To donate to the Tour de Transplant, visit www.tourdetransplant.org.au