 News
29th November 2006
Chancellor's baby has cystic fibrosis
Chancellor Gordon Brown has confirmed that his four-month-old son has
been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Four month old Fraser has been in and out of hospital with
recurrent chest infections since his birth in July 2006.
A spokesperson confirmed that the Chancellor and his wife
Sarah had been told in late July that the baby might have the disease
and now tests have confirmed the diagnosis.
Every wek five babies are born with this life-threatening
disease which causes digestive and respiratory problems.
Mr Brown's spokesman added, "Thousands of other parents
are in the same position.
"They are confident that the advice and treatments available,
including proper exercise and, later, sporting activity will keep him
fit and healthy.
"The NHS is doing a great job, and Gordon and Sarah are
very optimistic that the advances being made in medicine will help him
and many others, and they hope to be able to play their part in doing
what they can to help others."
Cystic Fibrosis Trust chief executive Rosie Barnes said
that there have been great advances in treatment of CF over the years
which meant the outlook was much better for sufferers.
"I believe Fraser was tested at birth for cystic fibrosis
so it would be diagnosed just a few weeks after he was born.
"If that test takes place it's very quick and treatment
can start immediately a child diagnosed at birth and treated immediately
should remain quite well."
Conservative leader David Cameron, whose four-year-old son
Ivan has cerebral palsy, said, "Sam and I are thinking of Gordon and Sarah
and their family at this time and we send them our best wishes for the
future."
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