A MOTHER is hoping her walking boots will help fund urgent research into her son Stanley's life-threatening disease.

Kate Cannon will set off with partner Ed White for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust's Walk on Water event at the original Severn Bridge on May 17. Stanley, 17 months, is one of the UK's 8,000 people who suffer from cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system by clogging them with mucus.

"We have to make sure he has enzymes with his food to help digestion and antibiotics twice every day," said Kate, who works in Wotton-under-Edge's Harvest Store.

"Stanley's unaware of his condition as yet, thankfully. The Cystic Fibrosis nurses at Gloucester Royal Hospital have been a fantastic help showing us how to carry out percussive physiotherapy and we stick to the daily routine religiously. He's a very happy little man."

Because NHS funding into cystic fibrosis is minimal, Kate, of Nailsworth, says the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is a lifeline to parents hoping for a cure through the Trust's ongoing genetic research.

Kate and her partner Ed, who works for Renishaw in client liaison, are both seeking sponsorship for the walk and will be joined by Kate's mother Christine Cannon, of Rosemary Terrace, Wotton-under-Edge, who looks after Stanley every day.

The walk will mark a special day for Christine, who said: "I was one of the first people to walk over the bridge on the day it opened in 1966," she said.

A £1,000 target - if Kate and Ed can reach it - would help buy a valuable chunk of research time into Cystic Fibrosis, which is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease. The average life expectancy is around 30 years, although improvements in treatments mean a baby born today could expect to live for longer.

Donations can be made via Wotton's Harvest Store in Long Street, or by contacting Christine Cannon on 01453 845573.