Within 10 minutes, Mr Clarke and his wife Jenny were in the car and on the way to Melbourne, where Mr Clarke was to receive a new heart.

On Wednesday he watched as 35 cyclists pedalled out of Warrnambool to raise money for The Heart and Lung Transplant Trust of Victoria (HLTTV), who helped accommodate and support the Clarke’s during the transplant process.

Led by Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson, the Tour de Transplant kicked off with the aim of raising $150,000.

The cycling team, including four transplant recipients, have embarked on a five day journey to Melbourne, via the Great Ocean Road.

The tour aims to raise funds which will be used to provide critical recovery accommodation post surgery for heart and lung transplant families near The Alfred hospital in Melbourne.

It also raises awareness about the need for organ and tissue donation.

The ride follows the success of the inaugural event in 2014.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist and the first non-European to win the Tour de France’s coveted yellow jersey, Phil Anderson known as ‘Skippy’, designed the 600km route.

“Each kilometre of the Tour de Transplant route represents one family that has needed help with accommodation after receiving a transplant at The Alfred Hospital since 1989,” Mr Anderson said.

“A new heart can give someone a life.”

Warrnambool City Council mayor Kylie Gaston launched the ride from the Warrnambool train station, before Mr Clark spoke at a special lunch at Logan’s restaurant.

“I was sleeping 20 hours a day before the transplant,” he said.

“I had my bags packed for five months before we got the phone call. We were on the road by 1am.”