Cystic Fibrosis became a huge part of our lives just 3 weeks after our daughter Harper was born in October 2019. It's been quite a journey for us as a family. Harper's diagnosis was a big shock and it was months before we felt confident with her medicines and physiotherapy which we had to start immediately.

In December 2022 Harper had a bronchoscopy following a year of needing almost monthly courses of antibiotics. They found that Harper's little lungs were full of thick mucus and so she started a nebuliser to help break down the mucus and make it easier to clear.

Unfortunately the nebuliser didn't make enough of a difference and Harper was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital for 2 weeks in January 2023. It was incredibly hard to accept that Harper, who seemed so well in herself, needed time in hospital to receive IV antibiotics and intensive physiotherapy. She found it tough but we got through it and really hoped that would be her first and only admission.

Just a couple of weeks after being discharged, Harper needed a further course of antibiotics followed by another course a few weeks later. It was decided that Harper needed a second admission. We went to GOSH again in May 2023 for another 2 week stay.

This time, pseudomonas aeruginosa (one of the biggest causes of infection in people with CF) was identified in Harper's lungs, so she came home with 3 months of nebulised antibiotics to try and eradicate the infection. It is a lot of work. Each day Harper requires two physiotherapy sessions and 3 nebulisers on top of her usual medicines.

CF has totally taken over recently and it is what inspired me to apply for a charity place with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust for the London Marathon 2024. I was absolutely thrilled when I found out I have a place and I am excited to start fundraising!

I'm aiming big with my target and hoping to exceed the required £2,500. I'd be so grateful for your support towards this cause that means so much to me and my family.

* UPDATE 1st March 2024 *

I have been totally blown away by everyone's kindness and generosity. I can't thank those who have supported me so far enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I reached my initial target of £3,000 yesterday and as such, given that the Marathon isn't for another 7 weeks, I have decided to aim higher and set my target at £4,000! I am looking forward to my next two fundraising events which I am running with the support of Nene Park Golf Club. I am absolutely loving this journey and can't wait to do you all proud on 21st April. Thank you!

*UPDATE 23rd March 2024*

I'm getting close to raising £5,000 which is so much more than I dreamed of raising for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust 💛 I've really enjoyed my final fundraising event with the ladies at NPGC this week, a ladies golf comp which was so much fun! I'm going to focus my efforts on the running now, I've been blown away by everyone's support with my fundraising and just can't thank those who have donated a lot. I can't put into words what it means to me and my family. Thank you 💛

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Cystic fibrosis comes with challenges, affecting our physical health, mental wellbeing and how we choose to live our lives. But our community is uniting towards the ultimate goal of effective treatment for all.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the charity uniting people to stop cystic fibrosis.