A WOMAN living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is supporting a series of events to raise awareness of the disease.

Kat Howard, 27, from Pickering, was diagnosed when she was five, after suffering constant chest infections and colds.

CF is a genetic condition affecting more than 10,800 people in the UK.

People with CF experience a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs, causing a wide range of challenging symptoms affecting the entire body.

Kat, who is currently having treatment at York Hospital, said: “The problem with having cystic fibrosis is that it is very difficult to plan ahead as I never know how well I am going to be.

“Some days the effects are so bad that I haven’t got the energy to get dressed, particularly if I have been up all night coughing.”

Kat, who works at The George pub in Malton, requires intensive treatment every three months for up to three weeks.

Every three months Kat stays at York Hospital for up to three weeks for intensive treatment..”

Kat is raising funds for the York Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit, in York Hospital with the help of her aunt Ann Bowley, who she lives with,

Ann said: “Kat is still up and down and is currently on a new drug but it is early days and it will take some time to get used to the affects.

“In general terms Kat is mentally and physically as well as she can be and a typical 27-year-old.”

Ann has organised a display at Pickering Library fro CF week which runs until June 25.

She said: “The display features Kat and how she deals with life as a CF-er on a day to day basis.

Ann and Kat are also organising a quiz on, Tuesday, July 4, at 8.45pm at the Black Swan, Pickering.

“Pickering’s own Quiz Master - Bruce Pickup will be helping once again with the quiz; and our hosts at the Black Swan, Jill and Phil Hall, and team look forward to welcoming the quizzers once again,” Ann said.

“Please come and help fund research for this life threatening disease, and take opportunity to find out more about the disease.”