BARNES Coaches has announced the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as its charity of the year.

The family-owned coach and travel company, which has been established for more than 90 years, chose to raise money for the CF Trust as Sebastian Barnes, the son of director Luke Barnes and wife Emma, has been diagnosed with the condition. Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting illness that affects the lungs and digestive system, clogging them with a thick, sticky mucus making it hard to breathe and digest food.

Luke said: “Our son Sebastian being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at three weeks old was devastating.

“However, with medical research progressing at such a pace we hope that one day a cure will be found”.

“We are supporting the CF Trust as it is the only national charity that supports families touched by CF and funds medical research to aid people with it to live longer and better lives.”

Sue Piper, senior corporate fundraising manager for the charity, said the charity was delighted at Barnes Coaches’ support.

“It really does mean so much to the families we support,” she said.

“The CF Trust relies solely on the generosity of our fundraisers and supporters to carry out the work we do in funding ground-breaking medical research and supporting families and adults with this life-threatening condition."