“It’s important to us to raise awareness as not many people know about CF at all”: Cheryl and Simon share their story

Cheryl and Simon have been together for ten years and married for seven. However, they were actually teenagers when they first met and started their story together.  

At that time, neither knew what cystic fibrosis (CF) was or how it would affect them. 

Cheryl was diagnosed with CF in 2010 at the age of 32, after being treated for bronchiectasis up until that point. It wasn’t until Cheryl’s niece was born in 2008 and diagnosed with CF herself, that similarities started to appear.

When she was eventually diagnosed, Cheryl was told that only one gene could be identified, however her treatment going forward would still be similar to others affected by CF.   

“Being diagnosed with CF at that age was incredibly scary. It was then that I called the helpline at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, spoke to a lovely lady who helped put my mind at rest,” said Cheryl.

Living with CF, of course, comes with its challenges. Cancelling plans when she feels unwell, and having to separate herself from her own children when they pick up bugs has become all too common for Cheryl.   

“It’s especially hard knowing that I can’t go and cuddle my niece; it is too dangerous for her and too dangerous for me,”  Cheryl explains.

Wanting to take action and raise awareness of CF, the couple have worked hard and organised several fundraising events and initiatives. 

“It’s important to us to raise awareness as not many people know about CF at all,” Simon says.

Cheryl adds that: “Through awareness raising, we hope that there will be even more life-changing medicines for all.”

Their latest fundraising event is a Golf Day, taking place on 9 June in Hampshire.

“The golf day is a great opportunity to bring people together to raise awareness, but also raise money with a raffle and competitions,” says Simon



Cheryl and Simon’s hope for the future, for those living with CF, is that life isn’t restricted and that people are able to do all the things that their friends can do. By joining us for this year’s Wear Yellow Day and helping fund vital research, you can help us get one step closer. 

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.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives

- and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.