19 year old Alex Stobbs was born with cystic fibrosis. The disease attacks the lungs and the digestive system and most sufferers can expect to live only until their thirties. There is no cure.
Alex has never let his illness stand in the way of his passion for music.
A British TV documentary shown last year followed him as he prepared to fulfil his dream of conducting Bach's Magnificat.
Supported by his parents and teachers at the prestigious British private school Eton College, he battled through the gruelling treatment he needs to survive to realise his ambition.
He then set himself another, even more daunting challenge, to conduct Bach's masterwork The St. Matthew Passion. It is more than three times as long as the Magnificat.
More: Alex's book .