£20,000 plea to help stricken toddler
Charity is beginning at home for one poorly little girl.
Two-year-old Naomi Farrington, from Ince, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, will hopefully soon have her condition eased thanks to a family fund-raising effort.
Naomi, who lives with mum and dad Sarah Prowse and Chris Farrington, was diagnosed with the condition 12 months ago.
Her illness means she has a constant build-up of mucus in her lungs and digestive system, which sets hard and breeds infection, making it difficult to breathe and digest food.
Currently the toddler must have two hours of intensive manual physiotherapy each day, take 14 tablets and 25mls of medicine.
She also uses a nebuliser and two inhalers.
But in a bid to ease her suffering, family members are now hoping to raise 20,000 to buy a special compression vest, which would eradicate the need for manual physiotherapy and vastly improve Naomi's quality of life.
Tracy Morris, Naomi's aunt, whose daughter Zoe discovered the vest after scouring the Internet, said: "The vest is only available in America where is has proved to be more effective than manual physio, which Naomi doesn't like because she can't stay still.
"It must be worn twice daily for 20 minutes and works by compressing the chest wall 25 times per second, creating mini coughs that dislodge mucus from the lungs and move it along central airways where it can easily be removed from the body.
"It reduces the amount of infections, meaning less stays in hospital, and a much better quality of life.
"Currently the average life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis is 31, but only 50% of sufferers will reach that age.
"Naomi is quite happy considering what she's going through. I can't tell you how much she is treasured by us all."
Family members have already raised cash for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, including a parachute jump and a wigs and wellies walk, raising more than 1,600, and a fancy dress pub crawl on Good Friday.
And they were given a head start thanks to Paul Daniels Magic Party Shop, in Mesnes Street, which generously offered to let them use costumes for free.
Tracy, 40, of Standish Lower Ground, said: "I was going round all the pubs in Wigan asking their permission for the Good Friday collection when Paul Daniels, the magician's son, was standing at the bar.
"He said we could use costumes from his shop.
"It was so kind of him."
Naomi's mum and dad say they have been overwhelmed by the help and support they have received.
Sarah, 20, who recently gave birth to the couple's second child,
Joshua, said: "We are so happy that they are all helping us. We can't really get too involved in the fund-raising because we have a new baby and Naomi to care for, so we are really grateful for everything they are doing."
A fund-raiser for Naomi has also been planned for July 12 at JD's in Poolstock, with music, an auction, bingo and a D.
If you would like to help in any way, contact Kristina Santus on 01942 506275 or e-mail kristina.santus@lancspublications.co.uk
If anyone would like to make a donation, cheques must be payable to Naomi's Fight.
Please send to Kristina Santus, Wigan Evening Post, Martland Mill, Martland Mill Lane, Wigan. WN5 0LX
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Thursday 02 September 2010
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