“When the walk gets tough, I remind myself that those with cystic fibrosis face daily challenges and that I can get through this one day”: Denise’s story
We’ve done four Great Strides walks now. We did Watto’s Walk in 2008, when the kids were small. Since then, our team’s expanded. My sister, brother in laws, friends – they’ve all taken on the challenge. And our fabulous support crew, Mum and Dad, are there to see us through.
My son, James, was diagnosed at four weeks old. He’s 14 now, full of energy and fearless – he loves rugby and snowboarding, and has had a couple of broken bones from ski trips! He never lets his condition stop him doing anything – in fact, I’m not sure it’s ever crossed his mind that it could.
James has been on Kaftrio for a year, and we’re still amazed at the difference it has made to our daily life and to his future. He hasn’t had a cough for nearly a year. He can get through a full game of rugby without coughing – something we couldn’t imagine before Kaftrio. He has much more energy and enthusiasm, and general positivity for life. It’s changed his future and given the whole CF community much more hope.
We didn’t even have to search for people to join our Great Strides team – we were just so enthusiastic about what we were doing and soon people wanted to join us! It means so much to me to have people on our team who have known us for a long time – through diagnosis, hospital trips and all the ups and downs. You need people who are going to be enthusiastic and motivated, even if it’s boiling hot, pouring with rain or if you’re walking on a path full of stinging nettles! My parents have been our support crew for each event and that’s made a huge difference – knowing we’ll see their smiling faces at the next checkpoint.
Our team isn’t just those who join us for Great Strides – everyone who supports us is part of our team. We have friends who have run 10Ks to raise money for the Trust, because they want to support us. And of course, James has an amazing CF team supporting him.
When James was diagnosed, I had no idea what cystic fibrosis was. We were only told to look at the information on the Trust website – and we’ve stuck to this, because it has all the information we need about everything. The Trust works so hard to raise money and awareness and throughout all of our fundraising events, the events team have been so supportive and friendly.
I think Great Strides is an amazing personal challenge, as well as raising awareness of the Trust and doing something to support families like ours. We really enjoy this kind of challenge and love to see the CF community coming together – both walkers and supporters. When the walk gets tough, I remind myself that those with CF face daily challenges and that I can get through this one day!
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.
Great Strides™ is the Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s charity walking challenge, taking place across some of the UK’s most breathtaking countryside, Surrey Hills and Brecon Beacons. Gather your friends, families and colleagues or opt for a solo adventure - and enjoy our unique routes while fundraising for a fantastic cause.
Our newsletter
Sign up to our email newsletter for the latest news on what the Trust and our supporters are doing