This page is all about my daughter Scarlett, the little lady pictured in the photo over there <<--

In October '05, when she was just 3 months old, we received the devasting news that Scarlett has Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

This is the UK's most common genetic disease & affects mainly the lungs & digestive system. Because of the condition, mucus builds up on the lungs,  causing frequent infections which damage them, usually leading eventually to respiratory failure & death.  Approximately 70% of CF sufferers are under 20 years of age as a consequence of limited life expectancy & on average, 3 young people lose their lives to the disease every week. We refuse to accept that Scarlett will become one of these very sad statistics & will do all we can to ensure she doesn't.  

A lifeline for us has been The  Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports those affected by CF. The Trust is the only UK charity  funding research into better treatment & ultimately we hope, a cure for CF. Great headway has been made with this research, but the treatment is still a long way off.  CF is a degenerative disease, so for Scarlett, it is quite literally a race against time.  If there is significant damage to her lungs, any new treatment is likely to be less effective. Like other CF sufferers, Scarlett has already had to get used to twice-daily physio & nebuliser treatments as well as having to take various medicines on a daily basis. She spent three weeks in hospital last August, having intravenous antibiotics & I think we may have another admission on the horizon. All of this treatment is used in a fight to reduce the damage CF will be causing. There is however a limit to how effective this will be & sadly, it's inevitable that eventually she will start to lose the battle. 

On the 28th June, I'll be taking part in the 60 mile Capital To Coast Bike Ride (www.capitaltocoast.org.uk) to raise money for the Cystic  Fibrosis Trust.  I wasn't intending to take part in a fundraising event this year, as my Dad did the London Marathon & I didn't want to be asking again for sponsorship. However, a friend of mine was signing up for the ride on behalf of the CF Trust & I felt that a member of Scarlett's family should join him. Sadly, he's now had to pull out due to work commitments & it's now just me - next time I won't be so quick to join in! 

I realise that many of you have helped Team Scarlett to raise a fantastic sum of money since 2006 & I do feel guilty asking for your help again. However, every penny still counts. So, on behalf of Scarlett and the CF Trust, I ask that you please sponsor me in this year's challenge. 

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Cystic Fibrosis Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks to you all for your support.

Michelle Mullarkey

www.teamscarlett.com
Facebook Group - Team Scarlett