A NEW set of lungs the new year - that is the wish of Marie Wright, who is battling the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF).

Marie was left disappointed at the end of last year when a set of lungs were found for her but later deemed not “viable”.

The brave 21-year-old, who lives with her parents in Renfrew Road, has urged people to sign up to become an organ donor. She has also backed calls for a change in the law to make the system “opt-out” so people are automatically donors (currently people have to register to be one).

In November, Marie, whose twin brother John also has CF, got the call she has been waiting two years for – a set of lungs had been found for her. However, after hours of tests to make sure she was compatible, she and her family were given the devastating news that the organ was not viable.

But refusing to be beaten, Marie remains positive.

“It just means I will be more prepared for the call next time.

“It is really disappointing but the lungs weren’t right.

“It just shows how important it is for people to sign up and become an organ donor. Thousands of people die waiting for new organs, I have lost friends waiting on the transplant list.”

Marie was lucky enough to spend Christmas at home with her parents, four brothers, niece and nephew, but saw in the new year at Papworth Hospital. She is hopeful that 2013 will be the year she gets her wish.

“It’s going to be three years now,” she said. “I can’t go anywhere, I can’t do anything until it happens.”

“I really think the whole donation system needs to change,” she added. “It should be opt-out. I think it would save lots of lives.”

In November Marie was inspired to cut off her long hair to raise money for charity after losing her 20-year-old sister Sabrina Wright to leukaemia seven years ago.

She has raised more than �1,500 for both the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children battling cancer.

To donate to Marie’s appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/Marie-Wright5

What do you think about the organ donor system? Write to health reporter Lizzie Parry at Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail lizzie.parry@archant.co.uk