Student who survived double lung transplant becomes nurse following lifetime of care from ‘amazing nurses’

Date: October 26, 2026

A woman who survived a double lung transplant eight years ago is celebrating graduating with a First-Class Degree in Nursing after being inspired by a lifetime of care by ‘amazing nurses.’

Carly Edge, 37 from Deganwy, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just six weeks old. Despite a healthy childhood, by the time she was in her late 20s, her health had deteriorated to the point where she needed a double lung transplant.

“I was very poorly, but I was lucky enough to have the transplant just before my 30th birthday,” said Carly. “I spent a month in Wythenshawe Hospital, but once I had recovered, I felt amazing. It was so transformative. I really felt like I could do anything I wanted.”

Carly had loved maths at school and embarked upon a successful career in accountancy, but following the operation, she wanted a change of direction.

“I’d never really considered nursing as a career before as I hadn’t been well enough, but after the transplant, I really felt like the world was my oyster, and that I could start pursuing things I hadn’t thought of before. I started to think about a career in nursing.

“My whole life I've had amazing nurses looking after me, so I decided to give it a go myself. I chose to study at Wrexham University’s St Asaph campus as I wanted to stay close to home.

“It was a fantastic experience. I loved it. I always liked school and learning, and Wrexham is fabulous if you don’t want a massive uni.

“There were certain placements that I couldn’t go on, but the whole team at St Asaph were amazing and they looked after me like a piece of gold. They were really good to me, and I can't thank them enough.”

After graduating with a First-Class degree, Carly will start her new role as a nurse in the Outpatients Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in the coming weeks. She will also continue volunteering with NHS Blood and Transplant, helping clinical teams across the UK shape their work and future plans through a patient perspective.

“I have a voluntary role as a Patient Partner for lung transplantation at NHSBT (NHS Blood and Transplant) which I’m very passionate about. I sit on the national decision-making group for lung transplantation in the UK, and it’s a privilege to work alongside senior NHS leaders and clinicians in developing strategy and policy for lung transplant services.

“The organisations behind transplants in the UK, and the people involved, are incredible. They’re so dedicated to improving outcomes for patients. Because of them, and the generosity of people who donate their organs, people like me get a new lease of life.

“I can’t wait to start my new role in nursing and help others like I was helped.”

Nursing degrees at Wrexham University offer March and September intakes, and fully funded options are available.

Nursing graduate Carly Edge with her mentor Bernadette Evans (Senior Lecturer in Nursing at Wrexham University)