Young dancer takes on cystic fibrosis round-the-world challenge

Eight-year-old Esme has joined the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity’s AirMazing Challenge to ‘walk around the world’.

Since January, Esme and 55 other young patients under our Cystic Fibrosis care have been given wearable fitness trackers to encourage them to exercise.

The aim is for the children together to achieve 55 million steps by the end of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in June – the distance around the world.

The trackers have been purchased thanks to a £1,500 grant from the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme which offers support for projects to improve the health of young people.

Esme, who was diagnosed at just 14 days old, was delighted to receive her tracker and is already inspiring others with her determination, positivity and love for dance.

Mum Claire, from Attleborough, said: “She was so excited about the tracker and has loved wearing it. She loves to check her steps but gets frustrated if she doesn’t get many as she has to take it off for PE and dance.”

Claire said the family had always encouraged Esme to “own” her CF and never feel ashamed of it: “She will proudly tell people she has CF. We’re so lucky she was born when she was, with the new medications available to her, allowing her to live such a healthy, active life.”

The AirMazing Challenge has already caught the eye of some of the Norwich City FC players who have sent messages of encouragement to our young patients.

Captain Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson congratulated the youngsters on their efforts and urged them to keep going.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition which affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system which become clogged with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty digesting food.

Holly Brook, Clinical Specialist in Paediatric CF and Respiratory, said: “Exercise and fitness is a key part of managing some of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis by helping to keep the lungs working well and clear of mucus.

“Thank you so much to the member of the public who nominated us for the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme. We are so excited to be able to bring our families and staff together as a huge team to take on the world step challenge.”

• If you’d like to support the N&N Hospitals Charity or find out more, email charity@nnuh.nhs.uk