Fun night with serious purpose (From Barry And District News)

Fun night with serious purpose

A BARRY mum is supporting the efforts of a cystic fibrosis campaigner who has launched a massive fund-raising scheme to help find a cure.

Sharon Staples, of Walker Road, has a daughter with the disease, but so far five-year-old Chloe has been able to lead a normal happy life.

The syndrome affects the lungs and pancreas as it produces a thick mucus which strains the organs, especially the heart.

A high -calorie diet is a must as CF sufferers use up more calories than the average child, so Chloe's diet has to be regulated.

Mum of two Sharon, 34, said: "We lead a normal life. Chloe has grown up with the disease, so she knows all about it. She understands what she has got and copes very well with it."

Her brother, ten-year-old Liam, does not have CF.

Sharon said: "When we first found out about the disease it was a bit of a shock. But now we are fine about it and have learned a lot. Chloe is full of energy all the time and she goes to school like any other child."

But life expectancy of people with CF is significantly reduced and sufferers rarely live past the age of 31, even with organ transplants.

Ceri Williams, who has a CF child herself, has arranged a disco, charity waxing and raffle event, which will take place on Saturday, March 13 ,at Barry Island Conservative Club, at 7pm.

Admission is by ticket only, priced at £5 each. These are available from Shelley in Kutz and Co, Holton Road or from Ceri Williams on 01446 720851.

Money from this event will go to the CF Trust, which is searching for a cure to the syndrome.