HE used to be a lively, sociable youngster who could never be found indoors.

But cystic fibrosis sufferer Carl Jones is now housebound after becoming dependent on oxygen.

The 20-year-old has been living with the hereditary disease, which affects the lungs and digestive system, all his life but has spent the last three months in hospital and may have just weeks left to live.

He now cannot cope without an oxygen tank, which he is too weak to carry around by himself, meaning he is unable to leave his home, in Methuen Road, Poole.

Carl's cousin Nicky Dean and friend Mandy Borg are organising a fundraising event in a bid to collect cash for a mobility scooter for Carl, in a bid to give him back his freedom.

Nicky, 20, said: "It's gone too far now for him to be able to have a heart and lung transplant.

"The reason we are doing it is because he's only been given up to six to eight weeks to live. We are trying to give him a bit of freedom.

"He just wants to go out and see his mates but he can't go anywhere without his oxygen.

"He just sits at home because he can't carry the oxygen.

"He's lost loads of weight, he's a tiny little boy."

Nicky and Mandy are hosting the event in Bell Heather Close, Upton, from 5pm to 10pm on Sunday.

There will be a disco, karaoke, a barbecue, bouncy castle, raffle and tombola.

The fund has already been boosted by £250, thanks to a fun day held by Poole Job Centre, and raffle prizes have been donated by Asda and Tesco, but more items are still needed for the raffle and tombola.

Nicky said: "Brand new mobility scooters cost about £1,500 but we are hoping someone might be able to come forward and hire one out to us at a cheaper rate."

  • Anyone who can help should call Nicky Dean on 07999 142308.