TEENAGER Jess Paddock has celebrated the first anniversary of receiving a lifesaving double lung transplant.

The 15-year-old, who lives in Winterbourne Earls, was joined by family, friends, and the medical staff who have treated her over the years for a special "transplant party" at The Vestry on Friday.

"It was amazing. It was really nice to dance and not get out of breath," said Jessica.

Jessica, who has cystic fibrosis, underwent the lifesaving surgery in October last year at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and says it has made a big difference to her life.

Her condition had meant she had to use a wheelchair and was on oxygen 24-hours a day.

"I feel like a normal person," she said. "I would like to thank the donor's family. It has changed my life dramatically — it is completely different. It is like I'm a different person and looking back at a stranger."

The night was made even more memorable thanks to Jess's favourite pop idol Nathan Grisdale. The singer had been due to perform at the party but was unable to attend — instead he recorded a special message and performed a song written especially for Jessica, which was played on a big screen on the night.

"It was so nice he took the time to do that," said Jess. "I am a big fan of his."

THE uk Garrison also gave up there time for free to attend the party.

Jessica is focusing on her school work and hopes to become a barrister in the future. She has also been busy raising money for Live Life Give Life and Great Ormond Street Hospital by taking part in sponsored walks.

In July she appeared in BBC Two Great Ormond Street documentary Fight to Breath, which showed her battle with cystic fibrosis.

Her mum Cheryl wants to encourage more people to sign up to the donor register and make their family aware of their wishes to donate their organs.

She said: "It should be an opt-out system. There are so many people out there who have already had life changing transplants. As Jess likes to say you can't take your organs with you when your dead so why not help someone else to live on and give them two years, 10 years , even 20 years and a better quality of life than they had prior to transplant.

"It is more important people let their loved ones know they want to donate their organs."

For more information about becoming a donor go to organdonation.nhs.uk