A local mum who regularly fundraises for charity has explained why the cause is so close to her heart.

Kelly Park, 43, lives on Portland with her husband Duncan, two daughters Poppy, 12, Eden, 5, and their dog.

She has been actively raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust over the past five years after Eden was diagnosed with the condition days after she was born.

“Eden was taken seriously ill when she was two days old, and two weeks later our world was turned upside down when the doctors told us she has a life limiting disease called Cystic Fibrosis," Kelly said. 

“It really makes you have the fire to support the charity, and help raise funds for more research.”

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Eden has just begun life-changing medication, with Kelly working at  the Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester part time, which has allowed her to provide care for her daughter, which includes regular trips to Dorset County Hospital and Southampton General Hospital.

Following the diagnosis, the family say they have learnt so much about the disease, in both how it affects people as a whole, and how it has affected her daughter's lungs and bowels.

Kelly said: “To keep Eden well, she has a wonderful team of professionals including consultants, physios, CF specific nurses, dietitians and psychologists in both Southampton and Dorchester Hospital.  

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“They provide her with life changing medications, treatments, care, advice and support, to keep her as healthy as possible.

“This would not be possible without the research and funding from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, they tirelessly campaign for our cystic fibrosis warriors to live a live unlimited with this horrible disease."

Each year Kelly has organised a walk to raise money for the funds, receiving around £1,000 in donations with each completed event.

She has now teamed up with Graham Butler and the Sellebrity Soccer events team in the hopes of raising more money than ever for the CF Trust at a charity match due to take place at the Avenue Stadium in Dorchester on Sunday, June 30.

Mrs Park: "As a family, since Eden was diagnosed, we have tried to fundraise as much money each year for the CF Trust as these are vital funds.

"This year with the support from Agincare and other local businesses we hope to raise more than we’ve ever done before, by putting on a Sellebrity Soccer Match.”

This year’s match will see two charities supported, as each team will represent either the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, or the Lexi May Trust, with money split across the two causes.

It will feature celebrities including a trio of EastEnders stars and a Britain's Got Talent finalist.

Last year’s match saw around £15,000 donated to Tommy’s Charity, with the hopes that celebrity awareness can bring more money to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Lexi May Trust.

Kelly said: “Faces, particularly celebrity faces, really boosts awareness and support for the charity, hopefully taking the fundraising efforts to another level.”

Tickets for the match start at £13.70 and can be bought online from https://shorturl.at/esMZW