Story
My daughter Layla (10) and my son Fraser (5) have the condition Cystic Fibrosis and they have battled this illness everyday with some days being a struggle and hard on them but have managed to overcome all obstacles and have done this with a smile on their face. Layla over the past 10 years has battled with reoccurring lung infections and weight issues along with other problems she has occurred over the years she has had a port fitted under her arm and a gastronomy in her stomach which enables her to have night feeds to help her gain weight. She also goes into hospital every 3 months to have gruelling 2 week course of IV's with the next lot starting on 10/07/19 and finishing just before the competition so she is able to attend the event. And has also been diagnosed with CF related diabetes from this terrible condition.
Both Layla + Fraser has to take around 20-30 tablets a day to help them digest their food along with other tablets to help them with digestion, salt intake, and a healthy lung function to name but a few. A strict physiotherapy regime is in place to help towards a good lung function and daily use of a nebuliser to help further with keeping healthy lungs. All this for when they are well but things change when they become unwell.
So me and my daughter have a yearly tradition in watching worlds strongest man and Layla loves it that much that I cannot watch these events without her being present, her all time favourite athletes are Eddie Hall + Tom Stoltman. After last years event Layla asked me if I would be able to compete like her favourite stars on the show, so both myself and Layla sat and talked about this for a while and seeing her smiling face thinking about me doing this kind of competition it was hard for me to say no especially when she has given me so much joy and happiness being in my life and seeing her fight on a daily basis to overcome the struggles she faces then I am honoured to make her dream come true.
So I contacted the guys at South Coast Gym who were moved by Layla's story that they not only put me in for the event they also helped me train to get me competition ready and without their on going support and help from not only them but a lot of the strongman competitors that this dream is now becoming a reality. Since Layla's diagnosis I have struggled coming to terms with her condition and find it extremely hard watching her go through everything and not being able to protect her from the condition that will take her from me, and because of this I have struggled with mental health for a few years now but now Layla has got a dream in seeing me compete in her favourite sport it has given me the courage and determination to succeed and try and give something back to her.
But I don't want to stop there I also want to raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity that is so close to our family's heart so please can you give what ever you can no matter how big or small to help the CF trust to try and find a cure I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has not only donated, but helped me train given me support and also opened their hearts to help us achieve Layla's dream we thank you all.
And if you are able to attend the event to watch me and all the other athletes take part in this strongman/woman then please come down and show them your support
South Coast Gym Unit 7-8 42 Chartwell Road Lancing BN15 8FB
https://youtu.be/sbapb9vUIkY please watch the video I made for my daughter over 5 years ago
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41.The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is fighting for a brighter future for people with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.
Both Layla + Fraser has to take around 20-30 tablets a day to help them digest their food along with other tablets to help them with digestion, salt intake, and a healthy lung function to name but a few. A strict physiotherapy regime is in place to help towards a good lung function and daily use of a nebuliser to help further with keeping healthy lungs. All this for when they are well but things change when they become unwell.
So me and my daughter have a yearly tradition in watching worlds strongest man and Layla loves it that much that I cannot watch these events without her being present, her all time favourite athletes are Eddie Hall + Tom Stoltman. After last years event Layla asked me if I would be able to compete like her favourite stars on the show, so both myself and Layla sat and talked about this for a while and seeing her smiling face thinking about me doing this kind of competition it was hard for me to say no especially when she has given me so much joy and happiness being in my life and seeing her fight on a daily basis to overcome the struggles she faces then I am honoured to make her dream come true.
So I contacted the guys at South Coast Gym who were moved by Layla's story that they not only put me in for the event they also helped me train to get me competition ready and without their on going support and help from not only them but a lot of the strongman competitors that this dream is now becoming a reality. Since Layla's diagnosis I have struggled coming to terms with her condition and find it extremely hard watching her go through everything and not being able to protect her from the condition that will take her from me, and because of this I have struggled with mental health for a few years now but now Layla has got a dream in seeing me compete in her favourite sport it has given me the courage and determination to succeed and try and give something back to her.
But I don't want to stop there I also want to raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity that is so close to our family's heart so please can you give what ever you can no matter how big or small to help the CF trust to try and find a cure I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has not only donated, but helped me train given me support and also opened their hearts to help us achieve Layla's dream we thank you all.
And if you are able to attend the event to watch me and all the other athletes take part in this strongman/woman then please come down and show them your support
South Coast Gym Unit 7-8 42 Chartwell Road Lancing BN15 8FB
https://youtu.be/sbapb9vUIkY please watch the video I made for my daughter over 5 years ago
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41.The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is fighting for a brighter future for people with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.