JUSTINE Laymond had to learn to walk again after surviving a double lung transplant six years ago.
But on Monday she lunched with the Prime Minister's wife before being honoured at the Inspirational Women of the Year Awards.
Since her operation Justine, 39, from Broomfield, has completed the BUPA South Coast Run and won a clutch of medals competing in the UK, European and World Transplant Games.
But she completed her most gruelling challenge to date earlier this year when she sailed round the world in the Clipper 11-12 Race, making history by being the first ever double lung transplantee to do so.
Justine, who was also a runner-up at the Chronicle's Sports Awards on Friday, said: "I was very sick on the yacht journey and I struggled a lot.
"It was tough but I was determined not to give up.
"My mum and dad were so worried about me and I was relieved to finish it."
Justine, who was recognised for her exceptional life-changing work for charity, was nominated by her father and was one of five women short-listed for the Daily Mail award by a panel of judges.
"I had no idea my dad had nominated me, he didn't tell me until he knew I'd been short-listed.
"We were both shocked, neither of us could believe it. It's so humbling that out of all the applicants, I'd been short-listed," she said.
"On Monday myself and the four other women short-listed had lunch at Number 10 Downing Street with Samantha Cameron, the Prime Minister's wife, before going to the awards ceremony in the evening."
After being diagnosed with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), one of the world's rarest incurable lung diseases eight years ago, Justine vowed to raise awareness of her story to inspire other people.
Justine, who has raised over £15,000 for charity since being diagnosed, said: "To think what I've achieved over the past eight years, I'm really honoured to be recognised for it.
"I'm so passionate about campaigning and I can't stop.
"I don't even think about the challenges I do, I just do it to raise awareness for organ transplants and LAM.
"Even if one person I speak to signs up to the organ donation list, that's brilliant. I've inspired someone."
However, Justine doesn't plan on taking a rest.
"I'm competing in the World Transplant Games in South Africa next July, so I'm training for that."
Justine is also in the process of writing a book about her life and is currently trying to find a publisher.
"I just want to get my story out there. I want to inspire and give hope to other people."
Keen to make the most of her life, Justine said: "I'm ill on and off every year, but that doesn't stop me.
"I live every day like it's my last. I just want to keep on living."
You can sponsor Justine for the World Transplant Games in 2013 at www.justgiving.com/justine-laymond2 and follow her progress at www.justinedoublelungs. blogspot.co.uk.
