FRIENDS of a teenager fighting for her life in hospital are using the internet to gather messages of support.

Abingdon girl Leah Graham, 17, has been in intensive care in a London hospital for a week. The Fitzharrys School pupil has suffered from cystic fibrosis all her life and took a turn for the worse last week.

Her family, from Buscot Drive, and friends are now using Twitter to appeal to celebrities to show their support – including Leah’s idol, pop star Rhianna.

Goodwill wishes have so far come via Twitter from model Katie Piper, band Cover Drive, and X Factor finalist Kye Sones.

Leah’s sister Aylisha, 20, yesterday said the support had been “amazing”.

She said: “Leah has always been that sort of person. She touches so many people’s hearts. I want everyone to stay positive. She is a fighter.”

Leah celebrated her 17th birthday while she was in Oxford’s Children Hospital last month. She is currently in Harefield Hospital in Greater London.

Best friend Megan Janes, 16, from Headington, said: “I just want Leah to know how important she is even if she is not in the best place at the moment.

“I don’t think she realises how many people care about her. She deserves it because she is always there for everyone else.”

Friend Chloe Lyford, 17, of Darrell Way, added: “We wanted to give her as much support as possible so she knew everyone was there for her.”

Cystic fibrosis

  • Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease and sufferers have problems breathing and digesting food because the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucous
  • More than two million people in the UK – about 1 in 25 – carry the faulty gene
  • There is currently no cure, but treatments available to manage it include physiotherapy, exercise, medication and nutrition