EVERY breath Justine Laymond takes is precious, after she almost lost her life to a rare lung disease.

Now she is looking forward to the third anniversary of being given the gift of life and has set herself a series of challenges.

Justine, 36, had a double lung transplant in July 2006 and says: "Every year is a bonus to me and I am determined to make the most of every moment.

"I want to set myself new challenges and I am planning to take part in the Transplant Games in Coventry in July, a run at Harefield Hospital where I had my transplant, and the BUPA 10-mile Great South Run in October.

"If all goes well, I would eventually like to take part in the World Transplant Games.

"I am training hard and I am making progress, although I do get out of breath sometimes. But I am a positive person and want to believe I can do anything.

"It is amazing to think that three years ago I was dying. Now I am determined to live until I am 100 and achieve all I can, in honour of the donor who gave me the gift of life through my transplant.

"I am so grateful for my life, I am not going to waste a second of it."

Justine is being backed in her training by the Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Chelmsford, where she works part-time, and by the Running Sisters group at the Melbourne Sports and Athletics Centre in Chelmsford.

As well as her sporting challenges, Justine gives talks about organ donation and her condition, lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), which affects one in a million people. She is also a talented artist and has held exhibitions of her work.

For more details see www.justinelaymond.com

JUSTINE has been nominated for this year's Essex Achievers awards, for her outstanding courage and determination.

Do you know someone special like Justine who also deserves recognition?

If so, you can make a nomination for the Essex Achievers awards, which has categories for adults and children. The awards are run by the Essex Chronicle Media Group in conjunction with health campaigner Susie Cornell.

Substantial cash awards, trophies and certificates are presented to Essex Achievers at a celebratory event which brings together nominees, their families and supporters and VIP guests.

Children and adults who have faced major difficulties in their lives, including illness and disability, are recognised for the outstanding courage and determination they have shown against the odds.

People who give their time and skills to make a major impact in their community, going that extra mile to help others, are also recognised.

This year the three categories are:

Going the Extra Mile, for adults who are champions of the community, giving their time and skills to help others;

Young Champion, for special youngsters under the age of 16 who have braved illness or disability or have helped other people;

Against the Odds, for adults who face major difficulties with courage and determination, giving inspiration to all around them.

For more details call Lynda Jones at the Essex Chronicle Media Group on 01245 603331, email lynda.jones@essexchronicle.co.uk or go to the Chronicle website at www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/awards

The closing date for entries is June 1.

The sponsors for this year's awards are Directa UK, the industrial supplies company based in Cold Norton, Anglia Ruskin University and M&G Investments.