Boy with cystic fibrosis to take on half marathon

A boy with cystic fibrosis is planning to complete a half marathon to raise money for a charity that supports people with the condition.

Zac, 14, from Market Weighton, will take on the 13-mile cross-country walk through the Yorkshire Wolds on 19 September, to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (CFT).

Zac, who was diagnosed with the condition at 16 days old, balances regular hospital appointments with his love for playing sport.

His mother, Amy, said: "There is no stopping him. He's growing, thriving and not letting his condition stop him in any way."

Zak was born two weeks early and became ill shortly after. His mother said the doctors initially thought he had a twisted bowel but after looking into his family history he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Amy described hearing the news as "absolutely devastating".

She said: "All you hear are horror stories of these very, very poorly children that never make it beyond childhood.

"I felt really guilty that we'd given that to him because, you know, it's a genetic disorder.

"I knew rationally that it wasn't [their fault]. It's science, it's genetics."

Zac has balanced taking medication and attending appointments at Leeds General Infirmary every six to eight weeks with sport and exercise to keep his lungs healthy.

Amy described him as "incredibly funny" and a "natural sportsman".

She said he is passionate about supporting the CFT and started fundraising in Year 7 by nominating the trust as a house charity for his school to support.

She said Market Weighton School had a tradition of completing the walk, which the pupils took part in and this year is the 50th anniversary.

"So to complete the half-marathon event the week before will be a very special moment," Amy added.

Amy said her son has designed training routes for him and friends Will, Will and Oscar, to prepare them for their challenge.

Zac's original goal was to raise £600 but their online fundraiser has so far achieved more than £900.

To parents who find themselves in a similar situation, Amy hopes Zac's story will give some hope that their child can live and grow.

She said: "He's just a normal teenager."

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the condition is genetic and affects more than 11,000 people in the UK.

It said one in 25 people carry the gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

The condition causes the body to produce thick mucus, which affects the lungs and digestive system in particular, it said.

People with the condition often look healthy, but it is life-limiting.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.