A STUDENT who has lived with cystic fibrosis for 11 years has issued a message of hope to Chancellor Gordon Brown, whose young son has the disease.

And the mother of another East Lancashire sufferer has offered further encouragement by saying that those affected can lead an independent and happy life.

Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah discovered that their four-month-old son Fraser has a mild form of the genetic illness following routine blood tests, it has been revealed.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease.

It is caused by a defective gene that clogs the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, with a thick sticky mucus.

This leads to chronic infections and difficulty digesting food.

There is currently no cure for CF and three people die from the disease each week.

The average life expectancy of a CF sufferer is only 31, but this is increasing thanks to the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Sophie Longton, from Woodhead Road, Read, has spent much of her spare time raising funds for the charity and won their junior fundraiser award in 2000.

The 19-year-old was diagnosed at the age of eight, after spending most of her childhood plagued by chest infections.

Sophie said: "It affects your whole daily routine, because of the physiotherapy you have to clear the mucus from your lungs, the tablets and the antibiotics.

"As I am getting older the amount of medication is increasing.

"I have to have intraveinous antibiotics pumped into me every three months for two weeks, which takes up to four hours each day."

The former Clitheroe Grammar student added: "I find CF a challenge but I don't let it rule my life.

"You have to make the most of the opportunities you get.

"Exercise is one of the most important things because it helps clear your lungs. I am always out playing netball or running."

Sophie is now studying Psychology at the University of Manchester.

She added: "I can't drink alcohol because of pancreas problems but I still enjoy going out with my friends.

"People think that I am well because I look fine on the outside but inside is a different story."

Natasha Hartley, from Minster Close, Darwen, also a Clitheroe Grammar School pupil, was diagnosed with CF as a baby.

Now aged 12, she carries out her own physiotherapy and follows a strict diet and exercise regime in order to minimise her symptoms.

Her mum Sue John said: "As a young baby you have got to help them but as they get older they can deal with treatment themselves. Natasha has grown much more independent.

"Every know and again she will get disheartened, but she has a real zest for life and makes every day count."