CYSTIC fibrosis sufferer Robert Daly is making a remarkable recovery from his double-lung transplant operation, according to family and friends.

Robert, who celebrates his 15th birthday next week, was taken off his ventilator machine yesterday afternoon and is already sitting up at his bedside.

The Blackburn teenager has suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since birth and was taken to London's Great Ormond Street children's hospital after a suitable donor was found.

The complicated eight hour operation took place earlier this week and Robert's mother, Julie, has been keeping a vigil at his bedside.

Stepfather Kevin and Robert's brother John and sister Gemma are planning to spend the weekend in London.

The family were all praying the operation would be a success so the plucky youngster would get the chance to lead a normal life.

Robert, who used to live in Ribblesdale Avenue, Accrington, has been forced to make countless trips to hospital in the last 10 years.

Rishton newsagent Les Smalley, a close friend of the family and Robert's godfather, said: "I spoke to someone earlier today and they said they took Robert off his ventilator yesterday afternoon.

"Even though the operation was just a few days ago Robert is sitting up by the side of his bed."

Les added: "It is marvellous what they have been able to do for Robert, he was getting quite ill towards the end and he was an urgent case.

"His mother has been through hell but, hopefully, Robert has turned the corner now and things should get a lot easier for the family."

The youngster is expected to stay at the Great Ormond Street hospital for the next six weeks.

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