Cystic Fibrosis Patient's Dying Wish To Family And Friends: 'Become Organ Donors And Bring Your Donor Cards To My Funeral'

Brave Woman's Dying Wish To Friends: Bring Your Donor Cards To My Funeral

The parents of a woman who died before she could receive a life-changing lung transplant have revealed their daughter's dying wish.

Ashleigh Robertson, 28, from Manchester, passed away after a long suffering battle with cystic fibrosis.

Before she died, Robertson - who worked for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust - asked friends and family to sign up to become organ donors and bring their donor cards to her funeral.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick sticky mucus.

According to the NHS there is no cure, however there are treatments available which aim to ease the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with.

Robertson was born with the condition, but was told by doctors she'd need a transplant to replace both lungs which had become severely damaged by the illness.

According to Robertson's family, if their daughter had found a donor in time, her life could've been extended by another 20 years.

They've revealed how devastated they are that a donor couldn't be found, however they hope that their daughter's dying wish will encourage more people to sign up for organ donation.

The news comes as Wales' health service gets set to make organ donation an "opt out" affair. From 1 December, everyone in Wales will be automatically opted in to donate their organs after they die.

Robertson's father, Grant, told the Manchester Evening News: "She was just a beautiful person. She was forthright and determined but she had a wicked sense of humour and a smile that could light up a room."

Her parents revealed how their thoughtful daughter donated the majority of possessions to charity before she passed away.

“She was always thinking about other people, and how she could help them, as her will testifies," added Grant. "We will all miss her terribly."

To find out more about organ donation and sign up, click here.

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