A young cystic fibrosis sufferer can’t wait to start learning the saxophone thanks to a grant from a music foundation.

Music lover Olivia Dolby, 9, of Kingsfield School in Chatteris, has been given a £300 grant by the Dosoco Foundation, which will help with the cost of instrument hire and lessons.

As well as boosting her confidence, playing the saxophone has the added bonus of being excellent physiotherapy because it will help her strengthen her lungs.

Life is a struggle for the brave youngster, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just two weeks old.

To enjoy a relatively healthy life, her daily routine must involve two bouts of physio and taking 35 tablets.

Her father Paul Dolby said: “Learning the saxophone is going to be a helpful distraction for her and a very good form of physiotherapy as it will strengthen her lungs

“It will help build her confidence and make physio fun, which is important because she sometimes finds it difficult.

“Olivia likes music. She has a keyboard in her bedroom and she likes writing song verses.

“She’s had a taster session and when she saw the saxophone her face lit up. She was quite good for her first time.

“We are thankful for the grant and grateful to the school for organising it for us. They have been brilliant and help us with her daily physio.”

Kingsfield team leader Rosie Burrell said: “We are delighted that Olivia has been given this opportunity as it has given her lots of confidence. We look forward to hearing her play the saxophone in assembly.”

Dosoco Foundation founder Andrea Cockerton said: “We chose to support Olivia because we felt that the money we were able to provide her with would make a genuine and significant difference to her life.

“The benefits of playing the saxophone seemed really clear - both in terms of the physical benefits, but also in terms of confidence and general well-being.”

In total, The Dosoco Foundation has given away £3,000 to five projects, including £700 to two choirs for people with Dementia in Wisbech and March run by Care Network Cambridgeshire.

People and organisations wishing to find out more can to go www.thedosocofoundation.org or follow Dosoco on Twitter (@thedosoco) where all grants rounds will be announced.