Mother makes desperate plea as Ruby goes on ‘superurgent’ list.

ARBROATH: Daughter’s lung function is now down to 20%

A mother has made a desperate plea for organ donors after her nine-year-old daughter was moved to the top of a “super-urgent list” for a transplant.

Diane Boyd took to social media in the hope of finding a match for her daughter Ruby, who has cystic fibrosis.

The youngster, who is a pupil at Hayshead Primary School in Arbroath, urgently needs a double lung transplant.

She was placed on the transplant list in October 2016 when her lung function dropped to 35%.

Diane said: “Eighteen months on, her lung function is down below 20%

“She had an offer of donor lungs last month but unfortunately it didn’t go ahead.

“Her chest infections are so regular now she is on intravenous antibiotics more than she is off them.

“She now requires overnight ventilation to assist her breathing. Ruby can be so tired and breathless that some days she is unable to dress herself.

“Last week Ruby was added to the super-urgent transplant list as her health has deteriorated so much.

“The need for a transplant has become so urgent this put her at the top of the list nationally for lungs that are a match to her.

“With a shortage of donors, especially those who are children, which is who Ruby is waiting for that gift of life from, I hope by reading this story you will sign the register.”

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-limiting genetic condition that affects many parts of the body, including the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them up with a thick sticky mucus.

“some days she is unable to dress herself

Ruby was diagnosed at two weeks old and was well until she caught a virus at seven months. This lead to a secondary infection causing damage to her lungs and leaving her reliant on oxygen.

She has remained oxygen-dependent since but this never held her back in the early years. However, she has had more recurrent chest infections needing intravenous antibiotics, which have become more and more frequent.

Ruby’s plight hit the headlines when she made up a bucket list, with top of the list being her dream of meeting singer Olly Murs. She was overwhelmed when he sent her a video message and met him in person backstage when he performed in concert at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

She was also among the young fans who cheered on their pop idol when he performed at Slessor Gardens in Dundee last summer.

Ruby also wanted to be a queen for a day, would like visit to Hamleys toy store, would like to be a zoo keeper and feed and hold a monkey.

jathomson@thecourier.co.uk

Left: Paul Reid. Picture Ruby Walker, left, is waiting on a double lung transplant having suffered cystic fibrosis since birth. Above: Ruby meets her singing idol Olly Murs.