A Staffordshire PR and Marketing Company has announced they are the headline sponsor of an endurance challenge which will see four men paddleboard 80 miles across shark-infested waters to raise worldwide awareness of a life-saving cystic fibrosis drug.
Next month Cheadle man Marc Cotterill, who has cystic fibrosis, and three of his friends will paddleboard from Bimini in the Bahamas to mainland Florida in the ‘Crossing for CF,’ challenge which will take at least 16 hours to complete.
Now, Parker Piredda PR & Marketing have stepped in to sponsor the four friends called: ‘Team NEON,’ as they build up to tackling the epic challenge.
Taking part in the challenge is the brainchild of Marc who was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a condition which saw his lung function drop to just 29% in 2019. It was so severe, he suffered a collapsed lung and was facing vascular surgery and longer-term the prospect of a lung transplant. That changed during lock-down when he was granted access to a life-saving drug called Kaftrio, which is now available through the NHS. It’s a drug which he credits with transforming his life.
Marc’s lung function is back up to 76%, he can comfortably run a 5k and is hitting the gym harder than he has in years. As a result, the 41-year-old and his three friends (Craig Stanway from Stone, Ryan Talbot from Biddulph and Pete Oakden from Edinburgh) have decided to take part in the 80-mile endurance challenge on June 25th for two main reasons:
• Firstly, to support the incredible work of the Piper’s Angels Foundation, who organise the challenge, helping the charity in their mission to improve the lives of families living with cystic fibrosis across the world (from financial and mental health support to innovative life-expanding activities and programmes.)
•Secondly, to help an organisation called: ‘Vertex Save Us,’’ which is campaigning for global access to the CF drugs that saved Marc’s life.
Parker Piredda Director Tamsin Parker said: “The best part about our job is meeting people like Marc and helping tell their story. I’ve known Marc for a while now and have followed his journey closely. The word ‘inspirational’ can be overused sometimes but that’s not the case with Marc. What he has been through, what he has achieved and what he is planning to do is inspirational. He is using his story, to campaign for change, to make sure other people with Cystic Fibrosis have access to the drug that he has credited with saving his life and that should be applauded.
She added: “For us as a business, it is important to give something back, and as our business is in Cheadle, we wanted to support Marc, who is also from Cheadle, and his team as they embark on this epic challenge.”
Eleanor Piredda, Parker Piredda Director said: “The team are funding the trip themselves, out of their own pocket and we wanted to help them reach their fundraising target. Knowing Marc and seeing his journey so far we have absolutely no doubt that Team NEON are going to smash this challenge and raise vital awareness and funds in the process. We wish them the very best and lots of luck. They are much braver than we are!”
Marc said: “I want to thank Tamsin and Eleanor and Parker Piredda for all their support not just with the generous donation, but for all the help they’ve given in terms of getting our story out there. It’s vital that as a team we raise awareness of this life-saving drug to get access for all as not everyone is as lucky as I was.
“Before the drug, I was experiencing frequent chest infections and relied heavily on IV antibiotics every few months. This caused major vascular issues making IV access a nightmare, and I was completely aware that I was running out of options. That was until I got the call that confirmed I had been granted access to Kaftrio. It is a miracle drug. I took my first dose in March 2020 and the transformation happened overnight. The next day, I woke with no cough for the first time in over 20 years. After a couple of days, I was getting up at 6am to work out in the garden before work or my other CF treatments. Previously I would have needed to do at least an hour of treatments before I could even attempt to face the day. My health and quality of life have dramatically improved, but not everyone has a lifeline to this miracle drug and that’s why myself and my amazing mates jumped at the chance to embark on this challenge. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the power of Kaftrio and I feel it is my duty to do what I can to help others who currently have no hope of gaining access to this drug. Without it, many people with CF all over the world will die – that’s the reality.”
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for any other businesses that would like to support Team Neon’s challenge.
The four friends are funding the trip themselves so every donation made and sponsorship pledged will go to ‘Piper’s Angels Foundation’, and ‘Vertex Save Us,’ ultimately helping to support and save lives.
