Big honour for volunteer mum

Ms Norrish dedicates her time to raising awareness and funding for cystic fibrosis, a condition from which two of her three children suffer.

Brandan (11) and Addison (4) both have the condition and Cameron (7) is a carrier of cystic fibrosis.

Ms Norrish splits her time between Perth and York, travelling to Perth every three months to attend regular clinics with her two children, along with regular medical checkups.

Ms Norrish said she was surprised when it was announced that she was Volunteer of the Year, but she was honoured.

‘My daughter was ecstatic when I told her and my sons were thrilled,’ she said.

‘It’s recognition of their hard work too.’

May 30 is 65 Roses Day, when Ms Norrish and her family give up their time to sell roses in York and Northam to raise money for research.

The challenge was launched last year and encourages people to host a fundraising activity based around the number 65.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common life-threatening genetic condition affecting Australian children today, with 350 people living with cystic fibrosis in WA and 3000 people living with the disease across Australia.

It affects the lungs and digestive system, clogging the tiny passages to the lungs and trapping bacteria, causing infections.

With no known cure, the average life expectancy of someone with cystic fibrosis is just 37 years ” an age that Cystic Fibrosis WA is working towards increasing.

Cystic Fibrosis WA chief executive Nigel Barker said each person with cystic fibrosis was affected differently.

‘A standard day could involve taking up to 40 tablets to help with digestion and going through up to two hours of airway-clearance physiotherapy,’ he said.

‘Many people with cystic fibrosis become regulars on the ward at Princess Margaret and Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals when they can no longer manage at home.’

Ms Norrish and her family will be selling roses on Friday, May 30, at the Northam Boulevard and outside York LJ Hooker.

There will also be a raffle and quiz night in Northam.

Ms Norrish said she was hoping to sell at least 65 roses.

‘We hope that CF will one day stand for Cure Found,’ she said.

For more information on Cystic Fibrosis and 65 Roses Day, visit 65roseswa.org.au.