A DOCTOR from Fishguard is on a mission to raise money for the All Wales Cystic Fibrosis Unit.

Allison John was born with the condition 35 years ago, a time when sufferers were not expected to live into their teens.

“When I was 13 life expectancy was in fact 13 – a daunting prospect for a teenager living with a life limiting disease” she said.

Allison has gone on to defy the survival odds, having become the first person in the UK to have four major organ transplants. She now wants to give something back to the Cystic Fibrosis Unit where she received her care.

Allison is backing the Better Life Appeal at Llandough Hospital which is trying to raise £1 million. The money will be used to adapt the second floor of the centre into a specialist inpatient ward, which will allow more beds to be available to patients and develop the overall package of treatment available to cystic fibrosis patients in Wales.

Allison is organising a series of fundraising events this year including a charity gala dinner at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel on August 30. It will include a presentation by Allison on her journey so far with cystic fibrosis.

Allison was a guest speaker at the recent 50th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication at St David’s Cathedral.

She said: “Those with cystic fibrosis are not only living longer but are achieving more than ever before. I am the first person with cystic fibrosis who has had a liver, heart, lung, and kidney transplant to qualify as a doctor, and will shortly be a qualified GP.

“Another example is Sophie Pierce, who climbed Kilimanjaro for the CF community, giving hope and inspiration to others.”

Allison added: “Patients are constantly pushing boundaries and far exceeding the expectations that were held 50 year ago when the CF trust was founded.”

To find out more about the appeal and how to make a donation visit www.facebook.com/allisonsappeal or follow @allisonsappeal on Twitter.