Ben Hughes, who has been given just six months to live, introduces his new blog – Ben’s bucket list – where he talks about his condition, the importance of organ donation and how he hopes to spend the time he has left:

Hello Shropshire! My name is Ben Hughes I’m 28 and live in Shrewsbury.

You may have seen me in the local press last week, or even heard me on Radio Shropshire recently. If not, then this first blog is just a bit about me, so you can get to know me better.

Firstly, I just want to thank all at the Shropshire Star and Shrewsbury Chronicle for the help that they have given me and for allowing me the opportunity to write this weekly piece. It’s very much appreciated. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I will do writing it.

So, why the blog I hear you ask. Well, I was born with congenital heart disease which led to me needing a heart and double lung transplant four-and-a-half years ago.

However, just recently, I was told that my body was in chronic rejection of the lungs and was told by my consultant that I will be lucky to live another six months.

As a result, I am trying to make the most of the time that I have left and have drawn up a ‘bucket list’ of things to do in the time I have left – this column being one of the things on the list. You can find out a bit more about the bucket list on Facebook.

Ben’s list of things he would like to eat, people he would like to meet and places he would like to visit

The main aim of the whole bucket list though is to raise awareness of organ donation. Without the gift of organs from somebody, I would have died a long time ago – their act of selflessness and love has bought a lot of joy not only to my life, but also of those around me.

I have been lucky enough to see my two-year-old sister brought into this world, my younger brothers have gotten to know me better and, of course, I’ve been able to spend an amazing four-and-a-half years with my wonderful wife who, when we married, didn’t know if I had four-and-a-half weeks to live, let alone four and a half years.

If you want to know more about organ donation and how it works or any queries, then please head over to the UK Transplant website.

And, whilst I have your attention, there is also a huge campaign for switching to an opt-out system in the U.K as opposed to the opt-in approach that we currently have. If you are interested in knowing more about this, then take a look at the Donna’s Dream website.

Thanks for reading, I hope you have enjoyed this and I look forward to reaching you every week.

Ben x