Littlehampton mum takes leap of faith
AT EIGHT months old, Riley Highton's life is a daily grind of medication and physiotherapy, but this cheeky smile never leaves his face.
He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when he was just three weeks old, and his mum, Ellie is determined to do all she can to help him, including jump 10,000ft from a moving airplane.
"I want to do something, no, I have to do something, to raise money, and awareness," she said.
"I don't know why I decided on skydiving, I can't even go on a swing without getting a funny tummy, but I am going to do it!"
The money raised will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and, Ellie hopes, be spent on research into treatments for the condition, which leaves the average sufferer with a life expectancy of just 31.
Riley takes three sets of drugs and at least two courses of physiotherapy every day, and the CF affects his digestion and lungs.
Ellie said that she had no idea what it meant when Riley was diagnosed, following a routine heel prick test.
"In the back of my mind I remembered seeing a documentary about it, years ago, and all I thought when they told me was 'my baby is going to die'.
"He is still my perfect little baby. If I could wish that he didn't have CF I would, but I would not change him for anything — he and his sister, Saphina, two, are my world.
"He is the happiest, brightest little boy. He is scrummy."
Ellie, supported by husband James, will make the leap in Kent on Saturday (July 4).
"I am really scared, but also excited. I have never done anything like this before, but I am sure it will be an experience."
To sponsor ellie, click here, drop into Hairways, Sea Lane, Rustington, or call 07500 255064. -----------------------------
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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