My wonderful cousin, Andrea, was born with a genetic disorder called cystic fibrosis (CF) which affects the lungs and digestive tract. 12 years ago she urgently required a lung transplant and this was carried out in the heart and lung centre at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Over the years Andrea has had regular visits to the Freeman for check ups, management of her medication and treatment of the severe infections that are part and parcel of her condition. Sadly, over the past 12 months, her health has deteriorated and she has made several visits to the Freeman staying for up to a month at a time. The heart and lung centre at the Freeman specialises in all kinds of problems related to the heart and lungs and is a national specialist centre for heart and lung transplantation. They deal with all age groups – from the very young to the very old – and save lives on a daily basis. Because of the serious nature of the conditions they deal with their patients often require long stays in the centre and repeat visits. I would like to do something to raise awareness of CF and the work that the heart and lung centre at the Freeman do and invite you to join me in raising funds for the centre through sponsorship when we do the walk.
Charity website
The Yorkshire Peaks Challenge involves climbing Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, often within 12 hours.