News Archive

Back from the Brink

Philip Spalding, a keeper on the Top Section, can inspire us all with the story of his recent challenge.

It was in May 1999 that I arrived at the Cotswold Wildlife Park to start work as a Senior Keeper, working with a wide range of animals from the farmyard rabbits to more exotic rhinos. All my working life (since 1988) has been spent in animal collections coping with a disease called Cystic Fibrosis, of which the management at the Park had been informed.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease which affects sufferers from birth. The main problem with c.f. is that a continual bombardment of chest infections causes the lungs to deteriorate over time, causing breathing difficulties and sometimes reducing life expectancy. Other problems with c.f. are not being able to digest fatty foods, and diabeties. All these difficulties can be overcome by taking a variety of drugs.

Early in 2001, I was finding work increasingly difficult due to severe chest infections. Having difficulties in breathing and losing weight, I was in and out of hospital and taking long periods off work. Thankfully all the staff at the Park were very understanding: I was put on light duties whenever possible, but even these became too much and by October I was in hospital more often than not, needing a permanent supply of oxygen to breathe.

My doctors said that there was only one option open to me: to have a double lung transplant!

I was put on the waiting list in January 2002 and after a couple of false alarms, on 1st October 2002 a suitable donor was found and the transplant went ahead, followed by six months in hospital and six months at home recuperating and gaining weight. I was steadily feeling like a new person, with an aim to go back to work at the Park.

I returned to work part-time in April 2003 (as recommended by the hospital) but after only two months I was full-time again, back with the zebras, lions and other animals, and things get better and better.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management and all the staff at the Park for their help, support and understanding through this difficult time, that now seems so long ago.

Philips life was saved by someone who was a registered organ donor. Are you? If you would like to consider this, contact your local doctor's surgery or visiting NHS online.

Want to Help?

A visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park can now be even more worthwhile. By adopting an animal, you can provide a helpful contribution towards the costs of keeping and feeding the animals and supporting our conservation breeding programmes... click here for more information