A seriously ill Towy Valley teen’s film highlighting the importance of organ donation has been shortlisted for an award.

Sophie Washington, from Salem, has been waiting for a pancreas transplant for two years and decided to highlight the plight of those like herself with her short film Say Yes to Organ Donation.

The 17-year-old’s efforts have been shortlisted for the final annual Organ Donation Through A Lens competition, run by NHS Blood and Transplant.

“When I was placed on the waiting list I decided I wanted to help raise awareness,” said Sophie, who is also a Wish Ambassador for the Rays of Sunshine children’s charity.

“I have been waiting for a pancreas transplant for almost two years, and I know that I am not alone. Too many organs that could save lives go to waste, and I want to help change that.

“I took part in a couple of awareness campaigns, but when I found out about the competition I knew I wanted to take part.”

Sophie’s efforts were not helped when she was forced into hospital in April during the period she had planned to film.

“I was quite ill in Glangwilli Hospital and I lost the use of the left side of my body for a few days so it was quite hard work,” said Sophie, who ended up filming parts of her movie inside the hospital as a patient. I had never really done any filming before, apart from playing about on my laptop, but it was really good fun.

“All the hard work and effort I put into it was worth it when I saw the results.

“It was amazing when I found out I had been shortlisted – I couldn’t believe it.”

The competition, which stresses the importance of family members discussing their donation wishes, will be judged in the first week of July ready for National Transplant Week (July 8-14).

The winner will receive £1,000- worth of camera equipment.

Sophie’s flim – along with those of other entrants – can be seen at YouTube.com/TransplantWeek.

The film with the most views will receive a special People’s Favourite award.