IT is the Christmas gift that could give him his life back.

Cystic fibrosis sufferer Charles Michael Duke needs a double lung transplant after his own collapsed while he was performing on Christmas Eve two years ago.

The 21-year-old singer and actor is one of thousands of people on the transplant list and has spoken out to urge the public to join the NHS Organ Donor Register this Christmas.

Charles, from Lymington, New Forest, who is in hospital for two weeks followed by home for two, said: “I'm waiting patiently for the most precious gift anyone can give, new lungs.

"I've waited 20 months now and it's a surreal and lonely place to be."

NHS Blood and Transplant say across the UK there are 6,500 people - including 150 children - living a life in limbo, waiting for a call that will change their lives. There are currently 65 people in Dorset on the transplant waiting list.

But a shortage of donors means too many people die before they get the transplant they need. In the last five years 21 people in Dorset have died waiting for a transplant.

Charles, who is directing this year's pantomime at Regent Centre Christchurch added: "To get that call would mean everything. My aim is to get back on the stage, undoubtedly. That's my main motivation.

"It's something you only have to do once and nine lives could be saved."

Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation said: “It’s a terrible shame that so many people who want to save lives through organ donation have not taken the next, simple step to register that decision. We all have busy lives, yet most of us would admit that we still find ourselves whiling time away and delaying doing important things.

“This Christmas, we are asking everyone who supports organ donation to take just a few minutes of their online time to show that support by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.”

There is no age limit to joining the register - and everyone is encouraged to have a conversation with their family about organ donation. There is a need for more black and Asian organ donors.

Organ donation saves and transforms lives. Thanks to people donating after their deaths 30 people in Dorset had a potentially life-changing transplant in the last year.

For information go to organdonation.nhs.uk