Sophie hoping for show of support

Inspirational : Sophie acts as an ambassador to help to save the lives of other sufferers.

TEENAGER Sophie Wheeler is refusing to give in to a life-threatening illness, and instead acts as an ambassador in a bid to save the lives of other people.

The 18-year-old Moorside girl was born with cystic fibrosis, and spends a week or longer every month in hospital having treatment.

The former Counthill School pupil is on the organ-transplant list, but a shortage of lungs for transplant means she has to wait until she is among the most serious of cases before she will be considered.

The teenager’s plucky attitude impressed family friend Nicholas Russell so much, he set about organising a family fun day at St Anne’s Rugby Club, Higginshaw, in her honour.

Last year it raked in more than £10,000 to buy a machine for Sophie to measure blood oxygen levels at home.

It was such a success, Nicholas is hosting another fun day later this month. This time, Sophie has picked two charities to split the proceeds. They are the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which grants wishes for seriously-ill children.

Nicholas (41), who lives in Mossley, has this year teamed up with local entertainer Andy Lee to organise the fun-filled day.

Nicholas said: “I lost an eye when I was assaulted three years ago and my dad and best friend organised a benefit day for me.

“I hadn’t seen Graham, Sophie’s dad, for 20-odd years, I didn’t even know he was a local singer, but he grabbed the mic and did four hours for free.

“I met Sophie last year when we all went to the Grand National.

“I found out then she has cystic fibrosis and was on the transplant list.

“She is such an inspiration. If I’m having a bad day I think what she is going through, she’s a cracking kid, and I wanted to do something to help.”

Nicholas has signed up to be an organ donor — and is urging other people to sign up too.

He added: “There are not enough organ donors in this country.

“I think it’s a good thing that people who apply for a new driving licence now have to say whether they want to be an organ donor or not.

“So many people signed up after last year’s charity day — I am really pleased with that.

“Besides raising money this year, we wanted to continue to raise awareness of how being an organ donor can help people like Sophie.”

The fun day, on Sunday, August 28, starts at 1pm and goes on until the early evening.