Woman who waited years for lung transplant dies week later

Cystic fibrosis sufferer Jessica Wales, from Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, died in hospital on Tuesday less than three weeks after a suitable donor was found for her.

At first doctors were impressed with her progress, but her condition steadily declined and she was sedated and placed on a ventilator.

The battle to find a donor drew support from celebrities, including singer Natalie Imbruglia and comic Ed Byrne who performed at a gig last October called Save Jess-tival.

Other stars who backed the campaign on Twitter included Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown, singer Beverley Knight, Jonathan Ross and Rubens Barrichello.

Ms Wales defied doctors' expectations after being given just two years to live when she was listed for a donor in 2005, and she used a non-invasive ventilator at night to keep her lungs going.

Friends said she retained a "kick ass attitude" to life despite her suffering and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation.

A statement from the Live Life Then Give Life transplant charity said: "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Jessica Wales only weeks after receiving the double lung transplant that she had waited for over four years to receive.

"During this period, she showed great courage and determination, inspiring people across the country through her relentless campaigning and upbeat attitude.

"Jess was not only a valued Live Life Then Give Life advocate, but also a great friend to many and we offer her family our sincere condolences at this sad time.

"We will continue to campaign for all those who wait for an organ transplant and, whilst not every outcome will be what we would wish, we hope that one day all those who need a transplant will get it when they are fittest and it is most likely to have a good long-term outcome."