Siblings Will Run In Portsmouth To Support Their Friend

A brother and sister from Lee-on-the-Solent are set for the Simplyhealth Great Junior South Run to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

12-year old Daniel and 10-year-old Martha Swadlings will use their run to raise money for a charity that supports their friend Ethan, who has Cystic Fibrosis.

Ethan, 12, was born with the genetic condition that causes a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system. This causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.

Therefore, Ethan has to have a nebuliser every day to help clear the mucus that builds up in them. He is also unable to absorb fat so has to take tablets whenever he eats and has a high fat diet. He is often on antibiotics, has regular hospital appointments and has to be very careful to avoid catching colds or flu.

But despite all this, Ethan is generally a fit, active and healthy boy.

Daniel and Martha’s mother Lisa said: “Daniel and Ethan have been best friends since they were five, and our houses back on to each other.

“Daniel and Ethan are part of a big friendship group of boys who all play football together; they belong to a team called Lee Rangers.  They have just started secondary school and cycle there together every day.

“Ethan is an active, bright and very sporty boy who has never let his condition stop him from doing anything. 

“He has incredibly supportive parents who ensure he keeps himself healthy and want him to have a normal life.”

Daniel and Martha are excited to do their first Simplyhealth Junior Great South Run in support of Ethan who will be cheering on the day.

The siblings are raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and currently have £300 with the aim to raise more.

The Simplyhealth Junior & Mini Great South Run returns to Portsmouth on Saturday 20 October, with almost 2,000 budding athletes, school friends and families taking on the 1.5k and 2.5k courses, which start and finish on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea.

It’s part of a great weekend of sport in the city, which includes the Simplyhealth Great South 5k and the South’s biggest running event, the Simplyhealth Great South Run, which will see over 20,000 people running in aid of fun, fitness and fundraising on Sunday 21 October.

For more information about the event, visit: Greatrun.org/South