AN ABERGAVENNY family and their friends aiming to raise £10,000 for Llandough Hospital’s All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, have reached the £7,000 mark.

Beth Clarke (nee Morgan), 34, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at 20 months old, and spends time at the centre which provides care and support for those living with this life- long disease.

Along with her parents Michelle and John Morgan, husband Lyndon Clarke, family and friends, are raising funds for the Better Life Appeal which supports the centre under the name of Bertha’s Army.

It is the only adult Cystic Fibrosis centre in Wales caring for over 250 patients. Mrs Clarke and her family hope to raise £10,000 this year towards the Better Life Appeal, which in turn aims to raise £1.3million to equip a wing with an extra eight beds at the hospital.

Mrs Clarke said: "The centre is vital as there is a dedicated specialised CF care team of doctors and nurses, a specialist gym, and physiotherapists are on hand, but if there is no room then patients can end up being moved to different wards which lack the specialist CF facilities or wait at home until one becomes available. Extra beds would avoid this happening".

Every week she takes 300 tablets, a mix of antibiotics and digestive enzymes, along with 63 nebuliser solutions, 42 inhalers and completes over 14 physiotherapy sessions.

She completes a two-hour physiotherapy routine before taking medication and having a sinus wash each morning.

Fundraising events held to date include a music day at The Cantref Inn, Abergavenny, cake sales, half-marathons, quiz nights. Most recently Mrs Clarke was among four to complete the Snowdon Zip Wire Challenge raising nearly £600.

The next fundraiser is a live music night with The Black Rat Effect at The Kings Arms, Abergavenny on October 23. Entry is £5 on the door.