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Despite being thousands of kilometres from home, Emirates Western Force hooker Nathan Charles will be doing everything he can to make sure the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 65 Roses Day is a success.
With a starting role in the club’s match against the Hurricanes in New Zealand tonight Charles wasn’t able to be in Australia for the charity’s big day but with the help of his Emirates Western Force team mates the club will be making its impact felt.
Emirates Western Force players who didn’t travel to New Zealand will be rattling tins and selling roses for cystic fibrosis on the pavements of Subiaco and Perth CBD between 11:30am-1:30pm (AWST).
If you see any of the boys out and about please support the great cause they are helping to promote.
Earlier this year Charles revealed his own ongoing personal battle with cystic fibrosis. He took on an ambassador role and has worked hard to raise awareness and much needed funds.
65 Roses Day the biggest fundraiser of the year.
“It would have been wonderful to have been back in Perth to help with such a big national event but I know there are so many great things planned and the day will be a huge success,” Charles said.
“I’m living my dream of playing rugby and hope my efforts on the field, especially today, will inspire others to live out their dreams.
“I’d encourage everyone to get involved in 65 Roses Day. Every cent counts and it all makes a difference. With your help and generosity we can continue the push to find a cure.”
The phrase ’65 Roses’ has a long-standing link with cystic fibrosis. It was created when a small boy’s sister was diagnosed with the condition in the late 1950s. He was unable to pronounce the name of the disease and said that his sister had ’sixty five-roses’. Since then, the rose has been the emblem of cystic fibrosis in many parts of the world and the last Friday in May is 65 Roses Day in Australia.
This year the flower industry in most parts of Australia will support the day by selling roses specially marked with the 65 Roses Day logo. Every bunch sold will generate $1.00 to support the work of cystic fibrosis organizations throughout the nation.
A group of participating florists will have window and point-of-sale displays promoting the cause. Members of the public can support the cause by purchasing specially marked roses sold by their local florist between 23 and 27 May – just look for the roses marked with the 65 Roses Day sticker or visit 65rosesday.org.au for participating florists in each state.
Some facts about cystic fibrosis:
- Cystic fibrosis is a condition that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.
- It is the most common genetically inherited, life shortening condition in Australia affecting young Australians with some 3,000 babies, children, young people and adults diagnosed.
- There are 330 people in Western Australia living with CF
- One in 25 Australians is a healthy carrier of the defective CF gene and over 98% of parents of newly diagnosed infants only discover their carrier status once their child is born.
- As yet there is no known cure
To remain healthy, children with CF must perform aggressive physiotherapy for airway clearance for at least an hour each day. They also consume over 40 capsules or pills a day, including enzyme tablets with each meal to help them digest their food. Despite improved medical treatments only 50% of sufferers reach the age of 37. But this is a marked improvement over the 1980s when average life expectancy was only 17.
See www.65rosesday.org.au to get involved, be inspired, donate, buy merchandise and read the story of 65 Roses and stories of people with cystic fibrosis who are seizing the day!
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