HERE IS A MESSAGE FROM JOCELYN BARKER, OUR VICAR'S WIFE, WHO HAS JUST UNDERGONE A DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT

Dear all,

Firstly I want to praise and thank God for bringing me through the operation, and now home so quickly. I am also so grateful for the donor, who has saved many lives. As a family we really appreciate all your prayers, love, practical support, and hope-filled cards.

Now I am onto the next, life-long, battle, to stop the lungs being rejected and avoid infections. Initially I will be back at the hospital for at least two days a week. There are so many new rules which I now have to live by, including what and when I eat, limiting visitors, and not having any flowers etc! But it is amazing to be able to walk and climb stairs without getting breathless!

However, the surgery will take months to recover from, and I will have to take life slowly at first. Sadly that includes avoiding busy public places for the first few months, and that means that I can't come to church for now. I am missing you, but I'm also so very grateful and hopeful for the life ahead. Thank you all, and God bless, with love from

Jocelyn