"Volunteering isn’t just giving your time – it’s building hope, step by step”

Chris’ connection to Cystic Fibrosis Trust is a personal one. His daughter Sarah, a fundraiser herself, had cystic fibrosis (CF) and died at the age of 37, twelve years ago. Following her diagnosis in 1979, Chris and his family attended many local fundraising events as well as organising some of their own. “She was incredibly active – skiing, travelling – and very committed to raising awareness and funds for the Trust,” Chris shares. 

Her enduring legacy laid the foundation for his own involvement. While looking for volunteer opportunities following his retirement, Chris was introduced to the Nottingham Branch – which was formed in 1965 by Dr Derek Bates and his wife, Jenny – and through this, he was able to find a community of likeminded individuals who were driven to make a real impact.

The Nottingham Branch have hosted a number of fundraising and awareness raising events over their 60 years including an annual sponsored swim, jumble sales, sponsored walks, Viking challenge bike rides, Santa Fun Runs and, of course, the iconic Grantham Canal Walk. 

As well as his involvement with the Nottingham Branch, Chris also volunteers on our Helpline, supporting the CF community with applying for grants and accessing other support. 

He’s also continued to fundraise during this time and told us his most memorable fundraising moment was during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he decided to take matters – and a map – into his own hands. “I was supposed to do a fairly easy sponsored circular walking route around the Peak District, but what I didn’t account for was the altitude! Eleven hours later, I’d climbed 13,000ft!” 

During his time volunteering and fundraising, Chris has witnessed firsthand how CF care has evolved. “My daughter wasn’t diagnosed until she was four. Today, heel prick tests mean we identify it early. Back then, Creon was a powder – now it’s a tablet. This and much more shows that we’ve come a long way.” 

However, Chris, and so many volunteers and fundraisers, recognise the importance of the journey still ahead of us all. “We need better ways to prevent lung damage and infections. Better antibiotics. More control. The fight isn’t over. I volunteer because I’ve seen the impact of this condition. We’ve made huge strides, but there’s more to do. Volunteering isn’t just giving your time – it’s building hope, step by step.”

You can join your local volunteer branch, or find out about our other volunteering opportunities, here. 

We’d like to thank Chris for his contribution to this article and his unwavering support. We’d also like to thank the members, past and present, of the Nottingham Branch for their dedication to Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Special thanks goes to Michael and Carole Headland, John and Sue Bowker, David and Kate Jackson, Ron and Wendy Clements, and Gail Doherty.