IPSWICH and Suffolk Press Ball chosen charity Cystic Fibrosis Trust is to hold a sponsored walk to raise money to combat the disease, it was today announced.

IPSWICH and Suffolk Press Ball chosen charity Cystic Fibrosis Trust is to hold a sponsored walk to raise money to combat the disease, it was today announced.

The walk takes place at Orwell Country Park on April 26 and is part of a worldwide initiative called Great Strides which aims to get people walking to raise enough to cure the disease.

Sandra Howarth, regional fundraising manager, for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in the East of England is organising the walk.

She said: “Hundreds of people will be taking part in walks all over the UK.

“The Great Strides campaign, now in its third year, aims to raise funds to help the 8,000 people with CF in the UK look forward to a brighter future and a longer and better quality of life.”

Cystic Fibrosis is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease. It is caused by a defective gene that results in the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, becoming clogged with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty absorbing food.

Sandra added: “We are delighted that once again we are holding another walk in Ipswich, all those who took part in it last year had a wonderful time.

“I hope the local community will take part. Our research, which is almost entirely funded by charitable donations, is making encouraging progress and a major clinical trial is planned for January 2011.

“Each and every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.”

The fundraising Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball will be held at the Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, on Friday June 19 with music dancing fine food and wines followed by an auction and tombola with prizes donated by businesses and organisations.

Headline acts will include rock legend and soul sensation Ray Lewis of The Drifters fame who will perform at the Soul Ball themed night of nights.

For more information on how you can take part in the Orwell Country Park contact Sandra Howarth on 0845 859 1032 or showarth@cftrust.org.uk

Have you been helped by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust? Write to Your Letters Evening Star 30 Lower Brook Street Ipswich IP4 1AN or send an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK's only national charity 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.

Press Ball organisers are today offering the chance for the business community to offer their help to raise cash for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

If your business or organisation would like to donate a raffle or auction prize to the event please contact Bridget York on 07961 430599