IF YOU can dream, you can do it,” reads a framed quote in the hallway of Kirsty Reade’s home.

The 23-year-old certainly knows a thing or two about tackling challenges and overcoming adversity. As an eight-year-old schoolgirl, Kirsty suffered chronic kidney failure.

Much of the rest of her childhood was spent travelling to Bristol for dialysis or laid up in hospital.

After one failed transplant, she underwent a successful operation in May 2001 – and Kirsty has barely looked back since.

Ten years on, the bubbly Canford Heath girl is a university graduate, preparing for a trip-of-a-lifetime around North America and targeting a job with a charity.

“All my problems seem like a lifetime ago,” said Kirsty, who is currently working as a teaching assistant at Talbot Combined School.

“I am trying to fit in so much now. I’ve learnt that anyone can get ill at any time and you just have to seize the day.”

After travelling 500 miles a week to and from Bristol for dialysis, Kirsty’s dad was found to be a match for her first transplant. But the organ was rejected after just 10 days and she had to return to making long trips for dialysis.

In May 2001, a new donor was found and though complications two years later led to chemo-therapy, she has enjoyed decent health since.

“It is difficult being ill as a child,” said Kirsty.

“You lose your innocence and you have to cope with things that other children don’t.

“I still feel a bit immature about some things – I didn’t start drinking until I was 19. But I have a very close family and amazing friends who have stuck with me through it all.”

Kirsty missed half of her school career, but earned a place at Canterbury University and got an art and sociology degree.

When she returns from her summer expedition around the USA and Canada, she hopes to find a job with a charity that helps brighten up the lives of sick children.

“When I was sick, the Make a Wish charity granted me a trip to DisneyLand Paris, which was amazing,” she said. “I would love to be able to make that sort of difference to children’s lives.”

Kirsty has already been involved in bringing about changes in treatment of kidney problems.

Through her campaigning, children can now undergo haemodialysis in Southampton and there is also a facility for adults at Mannings Heath in Poole.

And tomorrow, Kirsty, along with 15 friends, will take on a 20-mile bike ride to raise £1,000 for the British Kidney Patient Association.