A Salisbury-based author has shared his experiences of his double lung transplant.

Stephen Henstridge decided to share his memories and insights in his autobiographical story in his new book, touchingly called ‘Not Time to Put Out the Lights’. It takes the reader on the rollercoaster ride of emotions of Stephen and his family’s experiences and emotions.

The book covers the uncertainty of a critical illness, mixed diagnosis, his own mortality, time in the Critical Care Unit, his transplant, his recovery and finally discovering more about his donor, but includes everything in between (including photos of his close family, his wife, Jackie and his cat, Willow).

Stephen said: “Writing this book has been a labour of love mixed with a rollercoaster of emotions.  During my leisure hours I trained in a gym and kept myself fit for 30 years since finishing playing football.  I have been married for 40 years to my wonderful wife, Jackie, who with my daughter Sonya, and my son, Stuart, have been my absolute rocks through this whole process.  Above all, I thank my family and the Royal Papworth Hospital for their unstinting support”.

Drawing on his own experiences gained throughout his remarkable story, Not Time to Put Out the Lights gives an insight into the many different emotional complexities that go hand-in-hand with a life threatening condition.

Stephen expands “Being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and the result of needing a double lung transplant in such a short amount of time has been a complete game-changer for me and my family. By writing about my experiences, I am hoping I can bring some hope and joy to people and their families who are going through the same experience. If I can do that, I will be happy”

Not Time to Put Out the Lights; from Salisbury publishers, Riverside Publishing: www.riversidepublishingsolutions.com/product/not-time-to-put-out-the-lights/