Mum Michelle's mission for Lupset charity gala
A DETERMINED mother is drumming up community spirit and much needed cash for a charity close to her family's heart.
Bethany Cooling, 10, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis a few weeks after she was born.
The life-threatening illness, which clogs the lungs and digestive system with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food, means she is at permanent risk of infection and spends a lot of time in hospital.
But proud mum Michelle Draper, 29, said her daughter is an inspiration and she is planning a gala to raise money for the charity that has been a lifeline for the family, The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The mum-of-three, of St Oswald Road, Lupset, said: "Bethany is so bubbly and no-one can ever believe there is anything wrong with her, but she does tire easily and every day things can cause infection like hay, mud or plaster dust. It makes you want to wrap her up in cotton wool but you can't because that would be no kind of life."
Infection has caused Bethany to suffer a collapsed lung three times and she has to take six tablets per meal just to help her digest food, plus vitamins, antibiotics and nebulisers, as well as injections into her stomach once a week to help boost her immune system.
The Snapethorpe Primary School pupil also has to have physiotherapy twice a day to loosen the mucus on her lungs.
Mrs Draper said the swine flu epidemic was a terrifying time for the family. Bethany ended up spending weeks in isolation at St James's Hospital in Leeds.
She said: "I was heartbroken when the doctors told me what it was, and I thought I was going to lose her. It is a lot to cope with, but I am very lucky to have a great support network of family and friends."
The gala will be held at St George's Community Centre on Broadway in Lupset on Saturday, April 3, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. There will be something for everyone with stalls, entertainment, roller skating and a sponsored wax.
Mrs Draper would love to hear from anyone who can supply a bouncy castle for the day – call 0795 4581614 if you can help.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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