A TEENAGER is looking forward to living life to the full in the New Year after a "miracle" lung transplant came in time for Christmas.

Jessica Paddock from Winterbourne Earls who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis underwent the life-saving surgery in October at Great Ormond Street Hospital – and ten weeks on she is recovering well.

“It has completely changed my life for the better. I can’t wait to build up my strength and enjoy it,” said the 14-year-old.

“I am really well.

“I don’t get breathless any more and am able to sleep without oxygen.”

Last Christmas was a very different story for Jessica and her family, who feared the worst.

Her mum Cheryl told the Journal: “Obviously, we were at home last Christmas and we thought it was going to be our last Christmas together.

“I honestly thought we would lose her before Christmas and that she hadn’t long left.

“It is a miracle.”

Jessica is still on the road to recovery and working hard to build up her strength to start walking again after her worsening condition made her reliant on using a wheelchair.

Cheryl added: “She can walk upstairs and is getting to be more of a teenager.

“For so long she has not had the energy or breath to do things.

“We have got our daughter back.

“Every day is still a challenge - you never know how long it will last.

“We will take each day as it comes.

“It is just a miracle, we are so grateful it has happened.

“We are looking forward to the New Year.”

Jessica hopes to start school at the end of January and will continue to support others who are on the transplant list.

She also plans to share her experiences with others and is due to give talks to school pupils.

She wants to continue working with charity Live Life Give Life and hopes to encourage more people to sign up to become an organ donor.

She said: “I hope my donor family had a good Christmas and find peace knowing that they helped someone for Christmas.”