A MOTHER in desperate need of a double lung transplant says she is deeply touched that her friends are doing a charity walk to try and recruit more organ donors.

Emma Harris, of Raffin Lane, Pewsey, has lived with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that mostly affects the lungs, all her life, but in recent years every day has been agony for the 42-year-old, who takes 90 tablets a day and now needs constant oxygen support.

Mrs Harris, who lives with her husband Brad and seven-year-old son Teddy, who goes to St Francis School in Pewsey, deteriorated further still in December, since when she has been on an NHS waiting list to get a double lung transplant.

However, friends Caroline Dale, Kim Laughton, Naomi Leech, Heather Wright and Richard Dyer have rallied round her and will tackle the 87 mile Ridgeway Walk this weekend, to try and help raise awareness and get more people to sign up for the donor register.

"I am deeply touched by all of them wanting to do this. Life is absolutely exhausting and it revolves around having treatment, so for them to do this is incredibly kind," said Mrs Harris, who is in hospital twice a week and has daily physio sessions.

"I know that this may not be a definite fix but I want this chance. Life is a real struggle for me. There is a big donor shortage so something like this fundraiser they are doing is great.

"My little boy Teddy wants to run with me in the future, and I want to do that with him. When I was born I was told I had a life expectancy of five years so I have done quite well to have made it this far.

"I have tried to raise awareness about the importance of organ donations for a long time and in 2006 I co-founded Live Life Give Life to promote that cause, but I had to step down when Teddy was born and my health declined.

"My husband has had to give up his career as a retail buyer to be my full-time carer. He does everything for me, including meals, bathing, medication and my treatment regime. People have waited mere weeks when they are on the list to get treated and others have waited years. I hope I can get this chance as the benefits can be massive."

Mrs Dale, who is fundraising for Live Life Give Life and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, added: "Emma is such an inspiring person and I wanted to help raise awareness to get more people to sign up for the register donor. This is a good challenge and we are all excited."

To sign up visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk and to donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=ridgewayrampage&faId=808523&isTeam=true