A woman who ran her own school for ten years has become the first paid worker of a support network for transplant patients inspired by the late Jo Hatton.

Chad Denby today takes over the job developed by Jo Hatton, who died this summer aged 45 after surviving 13 years with a transplanted heart and lung.

Jo and her husband Phil Hatton, 54, set up the Transplant Support Network and ran the organisation from their home in Oakworth Road, Keighley.

Mrs Denby, who is the TSN's new administrative assistant, is a qualified nurse and until recently was a partner in Shaw House School, a private school for nine to 16-year-olds in Heaton, Bradford.

Her new post, which is funded by the Department of Health, will allow volunteer Mr Hatton to concentrate on developing the network, which has at present seven group organisers nationwide and 80 support volunteers.

"I am really looking forward to the challenge of helping the organisation grow. I am a good communicator and hope to help develop and promote the network," said Mrs Denby.

Mr Hatton added: "This is a new chapter and one which I know Jo would be so pleased about. This was her brainchild and there is still so much potential for development."

At present the organisation is being run from an office at Mr Hatton's home but eventually he hopes to transfer to Keighley Voluntary Services main office in Skipton Road, Keighley, where they at present have just an outreach service.

Mr Hatton said: "The TSN has been set up to complement and extend the support already given by professional staff.

"It has the active backing of a number of transplant care experts and other professionals.

"Our aim is to introduce any patient, carer or family member to others who have been through a similar experience. We offer reassurance, support and companionship when it is needed."

Jo and Phil Hatton set up TSN about three years ago and right up until her death this summer Jo was involved in developing the organisation.

She was away helping to set up another group for the network when she died on May 10 in Southampton.

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