Short films highlight work of Cystic Fibrosis charity

A SERIES of short films will showcase the work of Scottish charity The Leanne Fund and help raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis.

The films, created by Liz Macbain and Ged Yeates and produced by MG Alba, will be shown online over the coming weeks.

The first in the series of films has just been released and tells the story of Arienne, from Fort William, and her family - sharing their experiences of life with Cystic Fibrosis.

Teenager Arienne and her parents, Annette and Darren, talk candidly about living with the condition.

They also speak about the support they have received from The Leanne Fund, a charity set up in memory of a youngster from the Western Isles and supports those affected across the Highlands and Islands. It is also currently expanding services to the Grampian region.

Outlining her daily treatment routine, Arienne describes the affect it has on her day to day life.

She said: “My favourite hobby is photography, but CF affects what hobbies I can do, I would love to do contact sports and I used to do shinty all the time in primary school but I had to stop.”

Through support from the Leanne Fund, Arienne has received special treats such as family outings and items such as a laptop and a trampoline.

Dad Darren says the all round support from The Leanne Fund has been invaluable, adding: “Arienne asks ‘why’ a lot and she has a right to ask, but trying to explain why is incredibly difficult as a parent.

“When your child is born with Cystic Fibrosis, you live with it every day. The Leanne Fund look after the parents as well as the children which is really special.”

He outlined support for parents such as stress relieving therapies had been very helpful to them as a family.

Chrisetta Mitchell, development manager at The Leanne Fund said: “We are so grateful to Arienne and her family for sharing their experiences and we hope that people will watch and share her story.

“The Leanne Fund is going through a phase of expansion thanks to funding from The Big Lottery Fund and these short films help to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those affected by Cystic Fibrosis.

“We are also very grateful to the film makers Liz Macbain and Ged Yeates for their hard work in bringing these stories together.”

The Leanne Fund was set up in 2009 in memory of Leanne Mitchell from the Isle of Lewis, who had an incredible strength and determination to live life to the full, making the most of every precious moment.

Leanne’s life was inspirational and the fund represents Leanne’s heartfelt desire to bring happiness to other people’s lives.

The Fund provides a unique opportunity for young people with CF to treat themselves to something special or to do something really special – a chance to create happy memories.

The charity funds special treats and a range of support services for young people affected by Cystic Fibrosis and their families across the region.

Since The Leanne Fund was founded it has continued to expand and develop the range of services and experiences offered in response to the needs of Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families.

The Leanne Fund relies entirely on fundraising, sponsors and charitable donations to fund their valuable work.