A WOMAN who underwent a life-saving double lung transplant eight months ago is set to tackle an 18-mile walk.

Karen Mills, 28, of Monkwick, Colchester, did not expect to reach her 35th birthday without the operation.

She was bornwith cystic fibrosis, which means her lungs and digestive system became clogged with thick sticky mucus.

In February, she was given the gift of life – a double lung transplant – thanks to an unknown donor.

After years of tablets, physiotherapy and eventually being hooked up 24/7 to oxygen, Karen can start living life to the full.

She is taking part in the Fright Hike, in Epping Forest, to raise money for the Papworth Cystic Fibrosis Unit, based in Cambridge.

Karen said: “Thanks to the transplant team and my donor, I am finally able to do something to try to give something back.

“It is also a good opportunity for me to do something in memory of good friends who passed before a transplant could transform their lives.”

Karen will be dressed as a “bearded bodysnatcher” when she takes on the Fright Hike on November 1.

She will be joined by her mum, Sue Ettritch, 62, of Adelaide Drive, Colchester, and family friend Lyn Bloom, 41, from Greenstead.

Karen, who ismarried to Glen, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, aged five, during health checks at her primary school, in the Hornchurch area.

A doctor noticed she had deformed fingernails, a sympton of cystic fibrosis, and coupled with her history of bad coughs and colds, referred her to a specialist.

By the end of 2012, Karen needed a feeding tube in her stomach because her lungs were working at just 23 per cent capacity, starving her of nutrients.

In April last year, Karen, an administrator at Colchester General Hospital, needed constant oxygen feeds.

She went on the transplant waiting list on February 6 this year – and was stunned when a match was found two weeks later and she could be operated on immediately. The average waiting time is 18 months.

The operation lasted for ten hours and she was back home, and walking her dog, four weeks later.

She said: “I would never have admitted it to anyone, but I don’t think I would have been realistic in getting to 35.”

Karen’s team is also raising money for the Maldon-based Clarks Farm Greyhound Rescue.

Her family have helped to rehome greyhounds in recent years. To sponsor the team visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/BeardedBodysnatchers