CERYS
Cerys is six years old and, like any little girl, loves Disney, going to the cinema and adores animals, especially horses. Knowing of her love for horses in particular, Cerys’ nurse at Royal Alexander Children’s Hospital in Brighton, East Sussex, nominated Cerys and her family to attend one of our Jockey Club Family Fun Days at Sandown Park Racecourse.
At just four days old Cerys had lifesaving surgery on her bowel, to remove a diseased section and give her a stoma for three months, while her intestine grew stronger.
Following further tests Cerys was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, which is an inherited condition causing sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.
Her life consists of two daily physiotherapy treatments, inhalers, nebulisers, antibiotics, vitamins and enzymes that she must take with every meal. Cerys is regularly in and out of hospital for appointments and sometimes must stay in for two weeks while on IV antibiotics. However, her family insist that nothing seems to get Cerys down and through it all she has never lost her ‘sass’!
On Saturday 25th July 2019 Cerys, mum Victoria and nine-yea-old brother Owain were invited to attend the Elmbridge Community Family Fun Day at Sandown Park.
All guests enjoyed the day from the comfort and luxury of an executive box, including a buffet lunch and refreshments as well as being able to watch all the racing action from the box’s private balcony with fantastic views.
Mum Victoria said: “The Barrie Wells Trust and The Jockey Club are amazing! Cerys got to go and do something she would have never otherwise have had the opportunity to do. She enjoyed watching the horses and the yummy food and got to spend some quality family time with her brother, making memories in the sunshine.”