Like me, this lad must be given second chance in life by Vertex COMMENT

NICOLE Adams was at death’s door when the Daily Express lobbied US pharmaceutical company Vertex to give her its life-saving drugs.

The cystic fibrosis sufferer, 28, was in intensive care with just 10 per cent lung function before we helped her access Trikafta on compassionate grounds.

Now, just three weeks later, she is well enough to return home in Belfast, Northern Ireland, feels great and does not even need extra oxygen.

Ayden’s mum, Tracey, and Nicole have reached out to each other in recent days for comfort and advice.

Now

Nicole, pictured inset, has written: “The shocking image of little Ayden lying in bed is one we should not have to see. “There is a drug out there that could potentially have a huge benefit but sadly not enough sick people are getting it.

“I had to fight for the right to live – but why should any of us be struggling to breathe with cystic fibrosis when there is a wonder drug out there?

“My heart sank as I sat in my own home surrounded by my family but feeling helpless that this little boy is suffering and wants nothing more than to be at home with his loved ones.

“Tracey and I have been in contact and all I can do is comfort her with hope that this drug can work if he gets it.

“Vertex needs to stop thinking about ‘criteria’ and ‘patient numbers’ and think more about giving very sick people this second chance in life.

“I’ve been given it, though I was at death’s door before I got it. Why should it be like this? It’s simply not fair or just.

“This drug has helped me a lot over the last month and I wish that little Ayden will get the chance I did.”