We’re more than half way there
AWEST Lancashire couple have raised more than £10,000 to buy muchneeded medical equipment for their children.
Shelby and Martin Woods, from Burscough, are the parents of two-year-old Sienna and ninemonth-old Noah, who were both born with cystic fibrosis.
Shelby had to very quickly learn how to give her babies physiotherapy and medication to help keep them well.
She began to do research on the condition and found that a high-frequency chest wall oscillator (HFCWO) – an electric air pulse generator that connects to a vest to vibrate the chest – would be extremely beneficial.
Shelby believes the vest will play a massive part in helping move any mucus around their lungs. But, they cost a minimum of £8,000 each.
The couple held a charity night at the Royal British Legion in Burscough village March 17, which raised £2,600.
They also have completed fundraising tasks such as the Alder Hey 10K run which raised £3,600, and were granted £4,400 from the Community Link Foundation charity.
This has given them enough money to buy a vest for Sienna, and the remaining £2,600 will be used towards one for Noah.
Shelby said: “Having two children with CF opened new challenges as one of the most striking features of cystic fibrosis is crossinfection – the risk that people with CF pose to each other.
“This means separate bedrooms, separate physio sessions and, as much as possible, separate toys. As you can imagine, keeping my two children apart is a near-impossible task.”
The children have physio once a day for 25 minutes, but if they become unwell, that needs increasing to three times a day.
Shelby added: “This is extremely difficult as I cannot split myself in half, although I wish I could!
“I’m a 24-year-old girl whose life has now changed forever, but want to give my children the best possible chance in life by fundraising as much as possible to keep them alive.”
The couple are hoping to raise the money needed for the second vest with other events.
Martin, 33, is planning to complete two triathlons as well as cycling from the Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower with two friends this year.
Shelby added: “We are overwhelmed by the support and how much money we have managed to raise so far – or the fact we have raised it at all really. It’s amazing.
“The vests will really help them and other families have said they are brilliant for children with cystic fibrosis.”