A WELLINGTON author has been raising money for a charity close to her heart, through the sale of her latest novel.

Caro Ayre, 65, has been raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust through the sales of her book, entitled ‘Breathless’ - a fictional novel about a family coping with a 16-year-old daughter with cystic fibrosis and the effects it has on the family unit.

Caro has a cousin called Rob, 40, who has cystic fibrosis and now lives in Canada with his wife and two children.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition - only half live to celebrate their 40th birthday. It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs.

Caro says she has learnt so much about cystic fibrosis from doing research for the book – she said: “I have been on the cystic fibrosis forums and chatted to people with cystic fibrosis to make sure that Hannah (the character who suffers from cystic fibrosis) is realistic.

“I was inspired by the courage of the people I have spoken to and want others to understand the seriousness of this disease but have taken care to not depress the reader.”

Caro has sold a total of 250 books mainly through the guests staying at her Bed & Breakfast business that she runs – some guests have even given her donations for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Caro is also thinking of writing a sequel to this book as the character Hannah gets older.

Serena Wilson, Community Development and Fundraising Manager for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “Caro’s amazing achievement of writing a novel is one that she can be very proud of and we are extremely grateful for her fundraising efforts through her book sales.

“Caro’s fundraising comes at a time when the Trust is in its 50th Anniversary year but we’re not celebrating and instead redoubling our efforts.

“Only half of the people living with cystic fibrosis in the UK will reach the age of 40.

“Fundraising opportunities like this enable us to keep providing a wide range of services for people with cystic fibrosis. We are committed to improving the lives of those with cystic fibrosis so that they can see their 50th birthday and beyond.”

Anyone wanting to purchase a copy of Caro Ayre’s book can do so by visiting: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathless-Caro-Ayre/dp/0957222416/ref=tmm_pap_title_0/280-9072266-7765155