Together we can beat this

KELSIE JADE BAKER: raising money and awareness

A TALENTED young singer is to raise money for cystic fibrosis research with a concert in Royton.

The condition almost ended Kelsie Jade Baker’s life when she was in her teens. Kelsie was seven days old when she was diagnosed with the incurable genetic condition, which clogs the lungs and digestive system with thick mucus.

After a childhood filled with hospital visits, twice-daily physiotherapy and regular antibiotics, at 13 she was hospitalised for eight months and required major lifesaving surgery.

She said: “I was used to spending two weeks in hospital every three months but this was much worse.

“I was seriously ill and without the operation, I would have died.”

Now 21, Kelsie’s health has improved and she is doing what she can to raise awareness of the condition and cash for research.

Thanks to improvements in treatment, the average life expectancy of sufferers has increased from the early 20s to around 50.

The Oldham College music student has organised a fundraising and awareness event at The Railway Pub in Royton on Sunday, November 1. She will perform alongside other local artists from 1pm-7pm.