Weymouth man takes on triathlon to help Scarlett breathe (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth man takes on triathlon to help Scarlett breathe

12:00pm Saturday 16th March 2013 in News By Catherine Bolado

A WEYMOUTH man is gearing up for a triathlon to raise money for his niece.

John Foster, 24, normally only plays football but on April 14 he will be running, cycling and swimming on Portland.

His niece is Scarlett Russ, a nine-month-old little girl with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Her family needs to raise £10,000 to buy a special vest that will help her to breathe.

CF particularly affects the lungs and digestive system, clogging them with sticky mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe and digest food.

The vest, attached to a machine, would help to move the mucus from her lungs.

Mr Foster said the vest was ‘priceless’ for Scarlett.

He said: “It means everything if we get Scarlett that vest, it’s the only thing we have been thinking about. Scarlett has her own personality, she can be a bit of a drama queen – she’s cute.”

He added that he had been delighted at the support Scarlett’s parents had received from the public.

Mr Foster said: “I’m gobsmacked at how many people have decided to help Lisa and Colin.”

Mr Foster said he wanted to give himself a real challenge to inspire people to donate.

He started training three weeks ago.

He said: “I have joined the gym and quit smoking to get as fit as I can for the triathlon.

“It will be hard for me because I have started at not a great fitness level.”

He has been cycling to work and doing eight miles a day along with some running and cardio and weight training at the gym.

Mr Foster said he wasn’t worried about doing the sprint triathlon in a certain time.

He said: “If it takes me three hours to get round, it takes me three hours.”

Workmates of Mr Foster’s at Sunseeker on Portland have already rallied round to help him raise £350.

Donations to Mr Foster can be made through Lisa Russ’s PayPal account via lruss333@gmail.com.

 

How to donate to family

The Echo is collecting donations on behalf of the Russ family.

Cheque: You can send a cheque to the Dorset Echo, made payable to the Dorset Echo and posted to Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD

Cash: You can drop cash in to the Echo offices in Weymouth or Antelope Walk, Dorchester.  Please make sure you include your name and contact number with the donation.

To help Scarlett you can visit her facebook page – Scarlett’s Starlett’s or telephone the Russ family on 07929 033830.

Visit dorsetecho.co.uk/news/scarlett for more information.

 

List of shops where you can donate in Weymouth:

• Chesil Beach Motors
• Asda
• Steven May Hair Design
• Weymouth Police Station
• Howleys
• Daniels Fish and Chips
• Morrisons
• Wetherspoons
• Boho
• Marquis of Granby
• Tesco Weymouth Metro
• Matalan