Cystic Fibrosis Trust


The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, is a UK-based national charity founded in 1964, dealing with all aspects of cystic fibrosis. It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with cystic fibrosis.

Objectives

Its objectives are:
The aim of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust research is to understand, treat and cure cystic fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the major funder of medical and scientific CF research in the UK. The Trust's research falls into two main categories:
Cystic fibrosis is a complex disease requiring considerable specialist treatment. In the last fifteen years, the Trust has helped to set up and staff 45 specialist CF treatment centres throughout the UK. Since 1997, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust has invested over £10 million in the NHS to improve clinical care for the 8,000 people in the UK with CF; helping fund doctors, nurses and multidisciplinary teams.
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust sets the national standard on clinical care; provides and funds a UK CF Clinical Database; and measures levels of service provision. The Trust's Expert Patient Advisers work with health providers and government to influence and improve the care of those with CF across the UK.

Information, advice and support

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust provides a confidential, 9-5 Monday to Friday helpline service for advice and support on all aspects of cystic fibrosis. The Trust also offers information and advice to those affected, along with their families and friends, schools and employers and anyone interested in cystic fibrosis. The Trust also advise families on benefits and, where appropriate, provides financial assistance and welfare grants.

Community support

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust receives donations and support from local communities. In addition to the contributions, fund raising efforts have been undertaken by UK artist Jenny Wicks in 2009 with her photographic art exhibition, short documentary and book titled Root Ginger. The exhibition describes the recessive gene inheritance pattern that causes ginger, or red, hair - the same inheritance pattern that causes cystic fibrosis. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition and book sales will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.