Now that the Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s 50th Anniversary Year has only 5 more months to run, it is time to take stock, and report progress.
When the Trust announced that it was holding a No Party Campaign, the local Portsmouth & Isle of Wight Branch (which covers Havant) understood completely, as everyone knew all too well that many precious lives are still lost, despite great advances in treatment and life expectancy. The Trust thought it appropriate that there should be no celebration, until all young people with cystic fibrosis can celebrate their 40th birthdays. You can read about this at: www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk
The Branch, however, had already started to organise a Vintage Tea Party, to mark this special year. We carried on: there was no choice! It duly took place at the Tithe Barn, Ditcham, gifted to us for the day, in our gloriously sunny midsummer. Because cystic fibrosis is rare (and so there are few of us) 50 supporters and friends , gleaned from the Southampton borders to Chichester, including a large contingent from all parts of Havant, got together , to provide tea and entertainment for two hundred. We raised £5000, thanks to team work between the old and the young.
Local people involved included Horndean’s 23 year old vocalist/actress Becki Short who sang vintage songs, and introduced the other performers: Rebecca (13) playing guitar, Verity (10) playing the harp, seven ‘Nightingales’ who also sing in the Renaissance Choir, Emsworth,’ Quinzhee’ a Waterlooville band, and Anna Jo, a songwriter from West Sussex, who sang her haunting newly recorded ‘‘Breathe With Me’’.
Local firms kindly provided raffle and auction prizes for the event, and will be thanked on our page, www.facebook.com/CFPortsmouth. Vintage car owners also brought their beautiful vehicles to add to the fun and vintage atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the past months have brought us publicity in the local press and fantastic support from individuals and from the Hayling Island Sailing Club, the Seacourt Tennis Club, the Golf Club, Zizzi in Port Solent and Alliott Wingham in Fareham; and others!
On the wider front, there has been encouraging news about a new drug which may help the majority of CF patients, and the Trust has campaigned hard for changes to procedures in allocating organs, as sometimes a lung transplant is the only option for very sick young people.
There is also a new book out by Tim Wotton, a one-time Hampshire hockey player, who is now 43, works hard, still plays sport, and cares for his beloved wife and son. It chronicles his daily struggle to combat cystic fibrosis, balancing the demands of this cruel disease, with appreciation of all that is good in life: One of the lucky ones, so far, and an encouraging story for young parents. So yes, let’s not celebrate 50 years, until everyone has a similar tale to tell.