WHEN company bosses read about the death of a Southampton teenager from cystic fibrosis, they were moved to donate money to pay for vital equipment to help sufferers of the debilitating disease.

The Daily Echo reported how 19-year-old Emma Jones had lost her battle with cystic fibrosis after being diagnosed with the condition aged 19.

After reading about Emma, finance bosses at building developers George Wimpey Southern donated £1,300 to the Southampton General Hospital ward where Emma was cared for along with more than 120 patients.

The money was used to pay for an air humidifier that will benefit patients as it helps to clear their chest of fluid build-up without the need for injected medication.

Managing director of George Wimpey Southern Ian Menham said: "This occasion is bittersweet because, although we are pleased to help this worthy cause, I am mindful that I only became aware of this through the publicised and sad death of Emma Jones.

"I hope her family and friends can take comfort that their sad loss has and hopefully will continue to raise awareness and much needed donations."

The donation has been welcomed by Trevor Jones, Emma's father, who said: "The story did a lot to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis, and it is absolutely wonderful that this money has been donated for this vital equipment."

A number of other fundraisers have also been staged in Emma's name.

More than £2,050 was raised at a charity gig in Emma's name at The Joiners in Southampton.

Donations to the Southampton Adult Cystic Fibrosis Fund can be made via the CF team on IDU, Level C at Southampton General Hospital, or by contacting 023 8079 6801.