Tragedy struck at the Metrocentre when a Gateshead woman had a heart attack - but a transplant saved her life

Alex Workman, Duty Manager at the Metrocentre, is speaking of the importance of transplants this Organ Donation Week
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A woman from Ryton is speaking about the importance of organ donation, after opening up and sharing her own personal experience that led to a lifesaving transplant this Organ Donation Week.

Tragedy struck in 2017, when Alex Workman, a Duty Manager at the Metrocentre, suffered a heart attack whilst at work. Thanks to the gift of organ donation however, Alex, dubbed one of Metrocentres very own 'superheroes', was able to make a full recovery back to living the 'life she loves' and can continue spreading joy.

Alex, 39, was joined by members of the team at the Community Hub this Organ Donation Week, raising awareness on the incredible impact transplants can have. Her story is a powerful reminder of how one life-saving decision can change everything.

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Organ Donation Week 2024 is extra special, as this year the NHS organ donation register turn 30 years old. To celebrate, over 100 buildings and landmarks across the UK will be lit up pink, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and Durham Cathedral.

The campaign raises awareness of the ongoing need for organ donors. The gift of an organ or tissue donation can save and transform the life of someone else, and each donor is treated with dignity and respect

The Metrocentre Community Hub located on the Upper Green Mall
The Metrocentre Community Hub located on the Upper Green Mall

Born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great vessels, Alex knew from an early age she would need more care than her peers, having underwent her first open-heart surgery at just nine-months-old. But determined to not let her condition define her, Alex continued to embrace life to the fullest.

It was during her twenties that Alex first began experiencing heart palpitations that required frequent trips to A&E. Then in 2016, shortly after starting her role as Duty Manager in the Metrocentre, she was fitted with a pacemaker.

However, in May 2017, disaster struck, and whilst on shift Alex unfortunately suffered a cardiac arrest. Thankfully her quick-thinking colleagues saved her life by performing CPR and using the centre’s defibrillators. But Alex sadly later experienced a second cardiac arrest and a stroke, leading doctors to discuss the possibility of a heart transplant.

After spending 11 weeks in the hospital, learning to walk again, Alex resumed her active life with the aid of an internal defibrillator. However, last year in February 2023, while on a trip to Glasgow, she fell seriously ill again. Back in Newcastle, doctors confirmed that Alex was in heart failure and needed to be placed on the transplant list.

Though initially hesitant, Alex realised that a transplant was the key to continuing the life she loved, and on March 6, 2023, she was officially listed for a transplant. Just 11 days later, on March 17, Alex then underwent surgery and received her new heart.

Reflecting on her experience, Alex said: "It’s amazing how you can get used to feeling unwell and accept that as normal. I owe so much to my donors, they have allowed me to continue with a life that I love, and I will be eternally grateful.”

After four weeks in recovery from receiving her new heart, Alex was discharged from the hospital, and despite the challenges, was able to make a happy return back to work six months later. Sharing her journey, Alex now says she's "never felt better," adding: "Organ donation saves lives, and it’s important to share your wishes with your family, as that conversation could give someone else the gift of life."

Its more important than ever to make a decision about the gift of life. At current, more than 7,600 people are in need of an organ transplant, including over 250 children. Despite the remarkable people that register and save up to nine lives through their donation, the waiting list continues to rise.

If you are interested in signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register or want to find out more visit the website here.