Ruby’s queen for day wish

Seven-year-old waiting for double lung transplant op

These are the words of Ruby Walker, who is waiting to go into hospital for a life-saving operation.

Ruby, from Arbroath, would also love to meet Olly Murs, visit the biggest toy shop in the world, be a zookeeper for a day and look after the monkeys and last, but not least, become famous.

The seven-year-old, who goes to Hayshead Primary School, has cystic fibrosis.

In October, she was put on the waiting list for a double lung transplant at Freeman’s Hospital in Newcastle.

Her mum, Diane Boyd, said that without the operation Ruby would likely have fewer than five years to live.

“With the transplant she could live longer but there are no guarantees,” said Diane.

“However, the operation would buy her time and it could also hopefully mean that she could be eligible for a second transplant in years to come.

“Ruby is a very sick little girl but she is incredibly brave and never lets her illness get her down. The rest of the family also tries to stay positive because Ruby is so positive.”

Diane said that Ruby requires to be on oxygen almost all the time.

“She has an oxygen tank at home with a really long tube that allows her to get around the house,” said Diane.

“She also has a portable one that she takes to school with her.”

Diane said that the idea of the wish list came from her brother, Ruby’s uncle, John, who lives in Kent.

“He can’t be with Ruby as much as he would like, so he came up with the idea of the wish list to do something to make her happier.

“Ruby decided the things she would like on her list.”

Ruby said: “Being a queen would be brilliant and I could boss my brother and sister around.”

“I WANT to be a queen for a day so I can boss everyone around and because queens have loads of power.”

Ruby is pictured with the wish list and (inset) with her mum Diane and siblings James and Emileigh.