A TYNEDALE woman living with cystic fibrosis is helping others who are suffering with her condition through the coronavirus pandemic by organising a virtual run.

Stocksfield resident Jessica Spoor, who was born with the condition, has organised the virtual run with her family and friends in aid of the charity, Cystic Fibrosis Care.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition which can result in difficulty breathing as a result of frequent lung infections.

Jessica said: “Cystic fibrosis is a lung disease which puts everyone in this group as extremely vulnerable.

“This means families with some one who has cystic fibrosis are self-isolating for 12 weeks, unable to leave the house for essentials and to work.”

Jessica had initially planned to do the Great North Run this year, but the coronavirus crisis prevented that from going ahead as planned, so instead she organised a virtual run.

On Saturday, participants, who so far include Jessica’s family and friends, will join the virtual run to raise awareness of the disease and bring in donations for the charity.

The money being raised will be used for Covid-19 grants for those with cystic gibrosis who are struggling financially during the pandemic.

Cystic Fibrosis Care usually offers grants to those in need, but the charity is offering additional support to people during the outbreak. The grants are requested by the cystic fibrosis teams and social workers, meaning they can go to those who are in most need of the support.

Jessica added: “I myself also have cystic fibrosis and, therefore, I want to help others.

“I am fortunate enough to have somewhere safe to self-isolate, in Stocksfield with my parents, which cannot be said for everyone with my condition.

“I appreciate the NHS and charities like Cystic Fibrosis Care because of the challenges we face having a life-threatening lung condition.”

Jessica has previously completed other challenges to raise money for the charity, and last year she raised thousands after fund-raising by carrying out a 150-mile bike ride.

Jessica is hoping people will consider joining in with the virtual run, which can take place any time during the month of April, or donating to the cause.

Those interested in signing up for the run can visit: https://forms.gle/JuvSnuCjrA6HXXpT6 or to donate visit Jessica’s Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jess-spoor1.