Faversham’s courageous Roisin Kelleher, the first person in the UK to receive stem cell treatment for cystic fibrosis, is petitioning health bosses to make the treatment available here.

Earlier this year Roisin travelled to the Dominican Republic, following a fundraising drive by family and friends, where US doctors carried out the life-changing procedure .

Roisin, of Whitstable Road, has received over 1,000 signatures in less than 72 hours in a bid to bring the treatment to this country.

The Breathe Hope for Roisin campaign sparked a huge response around the world, with many cystic fibrosis sufferers hailing the 20-year-old an inspiration.

Her campaign has this week gone far further than raising more money for more stem cell treatment. She wants to help others with the disorder by regulating the treatment in the UK.

“We truly believe research and clinical trials in adult stem cell research are worthy of high-level research" - Roisin

Roisin and her mother, Anntoinette, who became a stem cell donor, launched the petition when they had arrived back in the U.K.

Stem cell treatment is not available in the UK because research and clinical trials have not begun.

A spokesman for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “Like the Kelleher family we see the enormous promise that stem cell therapies present for the future.

"It’s important to remember at this point, however, that research is a long process. Stem cell research is still in the experimental stage, meaning it’s not yet ready for clinical trials in humans.”

Two people with the disorder die every week, one-in-three die while on the lung transplant list and the average age of survival is 41.

Roisin said: “We truly believe research and clinical trials in adult stem cell research are worthy of high-level research.

“Please sign the petition and share with family and friends so we can embark on the journey towards new, organic therapies, to help improve the quality of life for those fighting cystic fibrosis.”

Anntoinette said: “The original statement from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust was very abrupt and had no consideration for what Roisin had been through.

“It was a big blow to Roisin but they have since apologised.

“So many people out there need support and everyone that is affected by cystic fibrosis is so desperate to move forward but we are stuck at the moment.”

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