Fundraising helps remind families like ours that we're not alone

When my son Max was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, our lives changed completely. Max is now seven, and his journey has been long and rocky, filled with hospital stays, infections and bowel blockages. He has been through so much in his young life, and yet he continues to amaze me with his strength every single day. 

As a family, we have leaned heavily on the support of Cystic Fibrosis Trust. From raising awareness to helping with fundraising, they have been there for us every step of the way. Whether it is something like supporting a school Wear Yellow Day or helping with a bigger challenge like 5k Your Way, their encouragement and practical support can make all the difference. 

Why I would encourage others to fundraise 

If you are thinking about taking on a fundraiser, my advice is simple: absolutely do one. 

Fundraising is not only about bringing in those all-important funds. It is also about raising awareness, and that matters so much. For families living with CF, awareness helps people understand the daily reality behind the condition: the hospital stays, the medications, the physiotherapy, the constant vigilance and the emotional toll. 

The CF community is also incredibly special. There is such a strong sense of camaraderie, and the Trust does so much to back you, encourage you, and provide the resources you need to make your event a success. 

Finding a community through fundraising 

In the early days after Max’s diagnosis, I did not know any other CF mums. Over time, through Instagram, I slowly built a community of other CF parents. That connection meant everything. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who truly understood the ups and downs of life with CF. 

That sense of connection led to the creation of CF Mamas and Papas. The idea came when Max was in hospital and very poorly. He had already faced so much, including surgeries and the challenges that came with being born very prematurely. I wanted to do something that would raise money for cystic fibrosis, but also awareness. 

Because CF families cannot meet up in the usual way, life can feel very lonely. I did not want to fundraise alone. Doing it alongside other mums, even from a distance, gave us a shared purpose. We motivated one another, kept each other going and reminded each other why this mattered. 

Taking on a challenge can help others understand the reality of CF

One of the most powerful things about taking on a challenge like 5k Your Way is that it helps show people what life with CF is really like. 

For many people with CF, physical exercise is not optional. It is part of daily life, no matter how they are feeling. Taking on a challenge helps others understand that reality in a small but meaningful way. 

These challenges show the reality of what it is like to live with CF. For us as parents, fundraising also gave us an even deeper appreciation of what our children go through. Completing the CF Mamas and Papas challenges was emotional and demanding. Some lasted a month, others a fortnight, and you had to keep going however you felt. In that way, it reflected the determination that children with CF show every day. 

It was emotional talking openly about CF while doing these challenges, especially when it came to difficult topics like hospital stays and life expectancy. But it was also deeply rewarding. 

My hopes for the future 

What keeps me going is hope. The ultimate goal is a cure: a future where children with CF do not need daily physiotherapy, nebulisers, IVs or dozens of tablets a day. A future where they can simply live normal, joyful lives without the constant burden of treatment and hospital care. 

We are not there yet. Although there have been incredible breakthroughs, and I am so grateful Max was born into a time when progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. 

That is why fundraising matters. 

Every Wear Yellow Day, every 5k Your Way, every conversation and every donation helps. It helps fund support, research and awareness. It reminds families like mine that we are not alone. And it brings us one step closer to the future every CF parent dreams of.

You will also be standing alongside an incredible community of people determined to make life better for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis. 

So my message is simple: Do it. Take on the challenge. Wear yellow. Run the 5k. Help make a difference.