BlogAbout the Cystic Fibrosis Trust
The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Trust is the UK’s only national charity that is dedicated to supporting those affected by the disease and their families. In this section I aim to give a brief overview of both the disease itself and the work of the CF Trust.
As a disease Cystic Fibrosis was first formally recognised in the 1930s and has since become known as the most common life threatening inherited disease. At present some 7,500 people with the UK suffer from CF, 6,000 of whom are under 25 years old. While various treatments are available there is no cure.
The disease itself affects all of the body's vital organs causing progressive disability, with difficulty in breathing being the most common symptom. Other symptoms include poor nutrient and vitamin intake and other digestive problems which often lead to CF sufferers having growth problems. In addition 97 per cent of men and 20 per cent of women with CF are infertile.