Tragic losses that proved inspirational

Margaret and Derek Miller, of Kings Avenue, Mount Pleasant, were inspired to raise money for research when their son Michael was diagnosed at the age of eight.

After battling the disease he died at 19 and a second son Keith passed away aged just six weeks.

The couple, both now retired, said the time had come to pass the fundraising baton on to younger folk.

Mrs Miller, 61, said: 'This year is very special as we are trying to raise 1,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Research. We started off 25 years ago in a friend's front room and raised 32. Over the years we have raised more each year.'

Michael, a Leeds United fanatic who worked at Concord Lighting, helped organise the coffee mornings in the early days. 'He wanted to help us raise the money because he realised he was dying,' said Mrs Miller, a retired home help.

A group of helpers, made up of family and friends, has been loyal over the years, baking cakes and donating raffle prizes and bric-a-brac. Mrs Miller said: 'We could not have done it without all our helpers. The response has been tremendous and as it is our final one we plan to take them all out for meal afterwards.'

The coffee morning will be held at the Denton Social Centre, on April 5, from 10am-noon.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic inherited disease, which causes the lungs to produce too much mucus and prevents the body from digesting fat.