HER story of courage has touched Star readers.

Cystic Fibrosis sufferer Kerry Thorpe’s battle for a lung transplant has been documented on our news pages and on our website.

And today, The Star launches a fund to improve her quality of life and provide her with a helping hand as she fights for the life-saving medical procedure.

Kerry’s Fund has already received a significant boost after one kind-hearted 92-year-old came forward pledging to donate �500 to Kerry.

The generous pensioner, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Kerry has been so brave for all her life and I think she deserves this. I’m so pleased The Star has started a fund.”

The money will be put into a fund for Kerry, which she will be able to access as and when she needs it.

Miss Thorpe, who hopes to marry her fiance Josh within the next year, said: “I can’t believe someone is kind enough to donate that amount of money to me. It is unbelievably kind-hearted and I’m extremely grateful and thankful to this wonderful man.

“It shows that there are some truly amazing people in this world.”

The 21-year-old was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a tot – and her life has recently become a battle of life or death.

Doctors have told Kerry that without a double lung transplant she may only have 12 months to live.

Kerry was finally added to the transplant list earlier this year after a year long battle to put on weight, maintain her health and keeping infections at bay.

She is currently on oxygen 24-hours a day and doesn’t have the strength to do everyday tasks – such as climbing the stairs and dressing – without Josh’s help.

For the past two weeks Kerry has been writing a blog for the Star’s website. To get an insight into her life, visit www.ipswichstar.co.uk.

If you would like to support Kerry’s Fund, cheques should be made payable to Archant Community Media Ltd. Send them to Kerry’s Fund, Ipswich Star newsteam, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to starletters@archant.co.uk