GO FLO! 10-YEAR-OLD FUNDRAISER
A SCHOOLGIRL with cystic fibrosis is organising 10 fundraising challenges to help other people living with the condition.
Ten-year-old Florence Porter-Hargreaves, from Endon, came up with the brainwave after hearing how her own medication cost the NHS £250,000-a-year per patient.
Now she wants to ensure other children like herself can continue benefiting from vital drugs by raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Florence also approached her school, St Luke’s CE Academy in Endon, and got staff and pupils involved in the latest challenge on Friday.
They completed a triathlon by cycling or scooting, running around the school playground in laps, and using indoor rowing machines.
She said: “For each class they’ve been doing 10 miles between them. I was really happy and excited when everyone said they would take part.”
Growing up with cystic fibrosis has become second nature for Florence, who has to take pills and have other daily treatment.
“It means you’re prone to infections and stuff. If you’re doing sport, it can show a bit,” she added.
But exercise also helps with her lung capacity, and she took on the triathlon alongside her classmates.
Florence has already smashed her original £1,000 target, and the latest event is set to take the running total to nearly £3,000.
The 10 challenges represent her 10 years of age, and she wants to complete them before her 11th birthday in October next year. Other ideas include making mince pies, swimming and climbing Snowdon.
Through a Go Fund Me Page, the local community has also been throwing its support behind her.
Mum Dawn Porter-hargreaves, aged 54, said: “It’s the first time she’s shared her condition with people.
“It’s done her the world of good as they have been so supportive of her. Her confidence has just grown.
“She copes with cystic fibrosis amazingly well. She has to have an hour’s treatment before school, and then again after school.”
During the pandemic, St Luke’s has put in extra safety measures for Florence, including getting her to arrive at school just before the other pupils.
Headteacher Nicky Danylyk said: “Florence shared the idea for the fundraising with staff, and it’s gone from strength-to-strength.”
PE teacher Jason Stokes even volunteered to do a marathon by running laps around the playground for several hours on the trot.
He said: “Florence is going the extra mile herself by helping other people, so the academy want to support her. Her fundraising is a brilliant idea.”
Among those taking part in Friday’s challenge was Elliott Leak, who is in Florence’s class at school.
The 10-year-old, from Brown Edge, said: “It was a really fun idea. I like how we can have some fun and raise money.”
Florence’s best friend, Lily Faulkner, said she is an inspiration.
The nine-year-old, from Endon, added: “She copes with cystic fibrosis very well. She has to take all these tablets. The fundraising is a very cool idea.”