Sufferer Sami dies aged 20 after rejecting transplant

Sami Booth-Candelin, aged 20, died on Wednesday in the Northern General Hospital, from the incurable genetic condition that causes thick mucus to develop on the lungs, leading to serious breathing problems and digestive problems.

Sufferers have an average life expectancy of around 30, though some can extend their lives by having a double lung transplant, if a donor with the right match is found.

But Sami, from Southey Green, turned down the chance of a possible transplant because she said she ‘cannot cope with the needles.’

The Star reported her appeal last month to get in touch with old friend Holly Smith, who used to live in Barnsley.

Sadly her husband Pete, aged 29, said yesterday that the pair had not made contact before she died.