THE communities of Yate and Chipping Sodbury were out in force on Saturday to help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research in support of one-year-old Annabelle Brennan.

Hundreds of well-wishers packed into Chipping Sodbury Town Hall for a fun day and nearly new sale organised by Annabelle’s parents Liz and Shane.

As well as the sale of baby toys and clothes there were side stalls, games, a cake sale and dance performances from Pure Dance Crew and Street Cred, a raffle with prizes donated by local companies including a signed Bristol City FC shirt and a visit from MP Luke Hall.

The event raised more than £1,700, well over the target of £500 set by the family, of Wiltshire Avenue in Yate.

“That’s all we thought we would probably achieve from the nearly new sale,” said Liz, who discovered the devastating diagnosis after a routine heel prick test when Annabelle was two weeks old.

“We just didn't expect people to so kindly donate as well. We raised an amazing £1,730 from and we still have a few more things to be finished and counted.

“All the money will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which funds research into new treatments and drugs that will hopefully lead to a cure.

"I really want to thank everyone who helped and donated, especially all the businesses which donated prizes, there are just too many to list, and Nando's in Yate which has been brilliant supporting us."

Liz and Shane, both 33, also played short films featuring stories of people with Cystic Fibrosis and gave out leaflets about the life-limiting condition which causes mucus to gather in the lungs and digestive system.

Annabelle, whose older brothers Finley, 8, and Oscar, 4, do not have the condition, has a complex daily medical routine and undergoes physiotherapy twice a day to help keep her airways clear.

The hardest thing for Liz is knowing her daughter is at high risk of developing an infection and knowing Annabelle may live until 40 but her life will be a struggle.

“It is a very hard balance between protecting her and letting her live,” she said.

“As parents the hardest thing is that it is our of our control. With the boys there was always something to make them better but with Annabelle it is limited. We can do things to make it better but we are not dealing with it.”

She added: “We will be forever grateful of the help and support received by everyone who has joined us in our fight for a life unlimited.

"The love and kindness we have received has been a huge comfort in what I can only describe as a very painful time. Helping us do something positive has really helped.”

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, who opened Saturday’s event, has lent his support to the family.

He said: “Liz and Shane put on a fantastic fund and awareness raising event and I have no doubt it helped local people learn more about Cystic Fibrosis.

“It was great to meet Annabelle and I am looking forward to seeing Liz and Shane soon to talk about what can be done to support families living with Cystic Fibrosis.”

You can donate online at justgiving.com/Shaneandliz