Bikes get cystic fibrosis kids going

Latai Liuanga, 2, with the bike given to her by the Cystic Fibrosis Association. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Windfall will buy trikes, scooters, skateboards and trampolines to help young sufferers get regular exercise

When your life is affected by a chronic disease, living each day as normally as possible is very important.

For sufferers of cystic fibrosis, getting regular exercise can do wonders for their quality of life - particularly for young people.

The Cystic Fibrosis Association's Auckland branch is one of this year's Auckland Airport 12 Days of Christmas winners.

With the help of the travelling public, the airport has raised $120,000 for a dozen New Zealand charities this year.

Each charity receives $10,000 to spend on a cause within their group.

Cystic Fibrosis Auckland will put its $10,000 grant towards buying new skateboards, scooters, bicycles, trampolines and other gym equipment used by its members for exercise.

There are about 500 people nationwide who suffer from the disease, which causes the body to make thick, sticky mucus. Healthy lungs produce thin mucus that protects the airways, making it easier to breathe. But for those who suffer from cystic fibrosis, the mucus can clog up the lungs. Other organs are also affected and sufferers need to take daily medication and do regular exercise to keep their lungs strong.

Auckland branch co-ordinator Wendy Edmondson said they were very grateful to receive the money for the benefit it will have on their younger members.

"We only have a bit of money [to] buy equipment like this each year. But with the $10,000, we can buy a lot more that will help many children and their families."

Two-year-old Latai Liuanga, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis very early, was given a bicycle from the organisation a few months ago.

Latai's mother, Juliana Liuanga, said she had seen a big difference in her daughter since getting the bike.

"It's helped her with her breathing and she's always so excited to get on to the bike. She's moving her whole body and it's really helping her lungs ... with the activities she's doing."

Mrs Liuanga said their family had received great support from the Cystic Fibrosis Association and she was happy to know that other families would receive help also.

"Latai is our middle child, out of three kids. It's a busy job, sometimes, so getting support from others is very helpful to us."

Auckland Airport spokesman Charles Spillane said they were happy to help a charity that was helping many people deal with such a disease.

"Cystic Fibrosis Association work tirelessly to support people with the disease in the community. We're truly delighted that our donation will provide additional equipment to assist with the physiotherapy of children they work with."

• A Herald-Auckland Airport charity project: Auckland Airport is giving away $120,000 to NZ charities as part of its 12 Days of Christmas initiative this year. The Herald is profiling each of the winning charities.