It will be more than just her 18th birthday that Lianne Mofford celebrates when she blows out her candles tomorrow.(sun)

Just four months ago, there were real fears over whether she would be able to celebrate the milestone at all.

But now following a life-saving heart-lung transplant, the Didcot teenager has her whole life to look forward to.

And this week Lianne had another reason to celebrate after gaining a place at Abingdon College for a course in children studies - a qualification she hopes will help towards her goal of becoming a nursery nurse.

Lianne, of Humber Close, Didcot, who will be having a weekend of celebrations with her family, said: "I'm actually able to celebrate my birthday. I can dance and have a good time.

"I did not think it would happen but I'm a completely different person. I'm feeling really good.

"It takes a lot of getting used to. Before I was sat in a chair with oxygen." Before her operation Lianne, who suffers from the lung disease cystic fibrosis, weighed just five stone.

She relied on a 24-hour supply of oxygen and intravenous drugs to keep her alive and even holding a conversation had been a struggle because she was so weak.

Now she is catching up on her missed teenage years with a vengeance and is even planning a summer holiday in Wales with friends.

Her mum Jacqui Polley said: "She's got this completely new life. People that knew her before are open-mouthed about how good she is."

Lianne recently joined the gym at Didcot Wave Leisure Centre, where her mum works as a receptionist. Staff at the sports centre made her birthday extra special by presenting her with a £50 cheque.

The only damper on celebrations is that Lianne's sister Shanie, 16, who also has cystic fibrosis, has been ill following a chest infection and problems with her diabetes. But the family are optimistic she will be well enough to join the party this weekend.

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