We just want to keep the memory of Hayley alive

THE family of a young student who lost her battle with cystic fibrosis have vowed to keep her memory alive by continuing her fundraising work.

Hayley Reynolds, 21, from Musselburgh, refused to let her illness stand in her way and volunteered for a charity helping sufferers like herself.

Now her brother Lawrie and boyfriend Keir Robinson will pick up her efforts in aid of the Butterfly Trust - a small Edinburgh-based charity that provides support services for those affected by the illness.

The pair have organised a charity event, which they hope will raise enough funds to pay for a member of staff at the trust.

Hospital admissions were a regular occurrence for Hayley, who was diagnosed with the illness at birth. Having been twice admitted to intensive care at the age of 17, Hayley pulled through on both occasions and defied the odds by gaining the qualifications to study accountancy at Heriot-Watt University.

She was in the second year of her degree course when her condition began to deteriorate.

"Hayley was in the hospital so often it had become routine," said Lawrie, 26, an HGV driver, who also suffers from the illness. "It wasn't easy seeing her there and, as time went on, she got worse and worse. When the doctor told me she wouldn't get out that time, I said 'you're going to feel a bit of an idiot when she leaves'. But she didn't."

Hayley died at the Western General on March 19 after contracting pneumonia. She is survived by Lawrie, her mum Lorna, brothers Ewan and Leon and sisters Heather and Yvonne.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects a number of organs in the body - particularly the lungs and pancreas - by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus. There is presently no cure and the average life expectancy is around 31 years.

"Hayley was so happy - she was extremely intelligent and very clever," said Lawrie. "She loved going out in her car and going for walks with her dog Heidi." In addition, Hayley also found time to do administrative work for the Butterfly Trust two to three times a week.

Staff at the trust became great friends, with its director Helen Macfarlane conducting her funeral service as a reader with the Church of Scotland.

Keir, 21, who got to know Hayley when they were both attending Musselburgh Grammar School, said: "We're just trying to keep Hayley's memory alive and we hope that everyone who comes on the night will have a great time."

Friends and fellow students have already collected 1000 for the charity. The latest drive - a disco, karaoke and prize draw - is to be held at The Quay, Musselburgh, on Friday, August 26.Lawrie, a trained chef who once ran The Persevere bar in Easter Road, and Keir have been inundated with donations for the event - with signed football shirts, malt whiskies and a meal donated to the draw.

To buy tickets or donate items, contact Lawrie on 07969 742 154. For more information about the Butterfly Trust, visit www.butterflytrust.org.uk