Anders Gibson wants fellow sufferers to get their prescriptions for free

A three-month consultation on charges was launched in January.

Anders Gibson, 27, from Glasgow, wants CF exempt from fees and said it would be "absurd" if the condition was not included on a chronic conditions list.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust backed the call and said the current situation was "demonstrably unjustifiable".

All adults with Cystic Fibrosis should be exempt from prescription charges Rosie Barnes Chief executive Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Anders describes CF as "growing old with the fast forward button on".

He said: "Sufferers of CF feel their condition should be added to the chronic medical condition exemption list.

"It doesn't make sense that it's not on the list, it seems unfair.

"However, health policy matters are not always based on need but instead on financial prudence."

Anders said when the original exemptions list was written in the 1960s, people suffering from CF had little chance of surviving to school age.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS The UK's most common life-threatening, inherited disease Affects vital organs, especially the lungs and pancreas by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus There is currently no cure 7,500 babies, children and young adults have cystic fibrosis in the UK One person in 25 is carrier of the faulty gene Each week five babies are born with CF in the UK

The life expectancy is now 31.

Anders has a prescription for 22 separate drugs.

His lung capacity is 33% and he is fed food through a tube at night.

He now has diabetes and, as a result, gets his prescriptions for free.

But he strongly believes others should not have to pay.

He said: "CF fits the criteria, it can be easily recognised, is long-term and life-threatening."

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has submitted evidence to a health committee inquiry.

The trust said the condition should be exempt because:

• it is a life threatening, inherited condition for which daily medication is essential

• adults with CF often face financial hardship which is exacerbated by having to pay prescription charges

• for those in financial difficulty, prescription charges may deter them from seeking essential treatments, at serious risk to health.

Rosie Barnes, chief executive, said: "Average life expectancy is 31 years and people with CF only live this long as a result of a daily regimen of medication and treatment.

"All adults with CF in the UK - unless they contract diabetes - must pay prescription charges for medicines without which their life expectancy and quality of life would be severely compromised.

"This situation is demonstrably unjustifiable.

"All adults with CF should be exempt from prescription charges."

The trust said it would cost the NHS little over �100,000 a year to abolish charges for CF sufferers.