Women's drive to beat a killer
Published Date: 15 June 2010
TWO Calderdale women are spearheading a national campaign to raise awareness of a condition that proves fatal in 50 per cent of cases.
Beverley Power and Donna Fahey are behind the revamp of Cherubs, a national charity supporting families affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia.Both their families have been affected by CDH, which affects one in 2,500 babies, allowing organs to enter the chest, preventing lung growth.
Secretary Mrs Power, charity secretary, of Halifax Road, Shelf, lost grandson Finlay Johnson, who lived for just eight days.
Mrs Fahey, treasurer, of Hove Edge, Brighouse, is mum to Emma, five, who beat the odds to survive. They have re-branded Cherubs, along with chairwoman Brenda Lane, of Norfolk, and a new website will shortly be launched. A Facebook page was recently set up and received hundreds of hits in the first month.
Cherubs' first charity ball takes place next month at Brighouse Sports Club.
"CDH is as common as spina bifada or cystic fibrosis but when you mention CDH people don't know what it is," said Mrs Power.
"The cause is unknown and we would like to contribute to research but that is not possible until we build the charity up."
Mrs Fahey and husband Simon raised £1,800 by completing the Manchester 10K run.
She said Emma was only give a 20 per cent chance of survival but the condition has left her susceptible to chest infections and the family don't know what the future holds.
Both women hope their summer black-tie ball will be a big fund-raiser.
Entertainment includes a five-piece indie rock band and a girl band duo. Also there will be Halifax actor and star of Waterloo Road, Tom Milner.
A charity rugby match will also take place.
Tickets are available for £20 including a hot buffet supper via committee@uk-cherubs.org.uk or for more information www.facebook.com/pages/Cherubs-uk-The-CDH-Support-Charity
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