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Gillian going on the run for brave Brandon
Gillian and Brandon Beech
Fast food, chocolate and chips – Brandon Beech can have it all as far as his mum is concerned.
In fact she encourages him to gorge on his favourite biscuits and pizza.
But, it’s not because Gillian, a Morrison’s checkout worker in Leyland, loves to spoil her son – it is because the 10-year-old has cystic fibrosis.
The life-threatening condition causes the youngsters’ lungs and digestive system to get clogged with mucus which can result in chronic infections and inflammation.
It also means his body can’t absorb nutrients from food so he has to have an extra high fat diet.
Gillian, of The Cherries, Euxton, said: “Normally you have to tell your child to have an apple instead of a biscuit, but in Brandon’s case he could eat five McDonald’s.
“He has to take Creon tablets though before he eats and that can be more than 20 at a time. His favourite snack is Pringles, but if he was to eat a full tube, then he has to swallow 25 tablets first, but he’s so used to it now.
“He also has to take other medication that he needs daily, he has physio at least twice a day and has to use a nebuliser.”
Brandon also has to stay in hospital for two weeks at a time every three months so he can be treated with strong antibiotics.
But, despite all of the medication, the Euxton Primary School pupil has one big dream – to be a footballer.
“Brandon was only three years old when he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis,” Gillian added.
“It literally turned our lives upside down. But, we are determined that he won’t miss out on anything because of CF and he plays football for Euxton Villa.
“In fact, he is absolutely football mad and loves Manchester United.”
The 34-year-old says her son is such an inspiration that he has talked her into doing the London Marathon in April.
The family is now hoping to raise as much money as possible before then for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and has already collected more than £1,000.
The mum-of-two added: “We were watching the marathon on TV and he said ‘you should do that mum and I can come and watch you’.
“I applied for the place and was shocked when it actually come though.
“I have never run a marathon before, but all of the money we raise will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”
- To help Gillian reach her target, donate at virginmoneygiving.com/GillianBeech.
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Weather for Leyland
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 35 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 36 mph
Wind direction: North west
