Great Strides 2008 - Taking Steps To Cure Cystic Fibrosis, UK

Main Category: Cystic Fibrosis
Article Date: 22 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Thousands of people will be taking steps to cure Cystic Fibrosis (CF) this year by taking part in a series of sponsored walks across the UK.

Great Strides, sponsored by Solvay Healthcare, is a worldwide initiative to get people walking to help see off CF. The sponsored walks aim to raise funds to help the 8,000 people with CF in the UK look forward to a brighter future and a longer and better quality of life.

Cystic Fibrosis is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease. It is caused by a defective gene that results in the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, becoming clogged with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty absorbing food.

Rosie Barnes, Chief Executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said "Last year Great Strides raised nearly £160,000 which helped us fund our research into treating and curing CF. We hope lots of people sign up this year as each and every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis."

Walks will be taking place all over the UK throughout the summer and people can sign up to take part, or organise one of their own. The walks are suitable for all ages and range from 5k to 30k. Each walk has an element to make it different so whether it's a fancy dress walk, a challenging hill walk, or a gentle stroll in the park there's an event for you!

All walks cost £6 per adult and £2.50 per child to enter, for which you will receive a fundraising pack and free Great Strides t-shirt. To find your nearest walk or to find out how to organise your own, visit www.greatstrides.org.uk or call 0845 859 1100.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK's only national charity dealing with all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease. Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a single defective gene. As a result, the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, become clogged with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty digesting food.

Each week five babies are born with Cystic Fibrosis and three young people die - 90% from lung damage. Average life expectancy is just 31, although improvements in treatments mean a baby born today is expected to live longer.

Further information can be found on our website http://www.cftrust.org.uk. Help and advice for those affected by Cystic Fibrosis is available through our Helpline on 0845 859 1000.

Great Strides aims to raise £150,000 which will be used to support families, ensure those with CF receive the best clinical care, and fund medical research into treating and curing Cystic Fibrosis.

http://www.cftrust.org.uk