Cameron on course to triumph over adversity

But now 18, Cameron has defied doctors' predictions and is fulfilling his dreams of becoming a professional golfer.

The Bramhope, Leeds teenager has just smashed the course record at Cookridge Hall golf club and this week is taking part in the British Boys' Tournament in Kilmarnock.

Just seeing her son fulfilling his dreams is joy for his mother Sue and father Chris, especially as last year he suffered a major setback after he was forced to withdraw from the sport for some months after suffering pneumonia.

"People with CF are prone to chest infections and pneumonia," explains Sue. "Cameron lost his ranking and it really set him back. It was the first time that he properly realised that his

CF could have an affect on

his golf."

The Hutchinsons realised that something was wrong with Cameron soon after he was born at Barnsley District General Hospital.

"He didn't put on any weight and we worried there was something wrong," said Sue who is divorced from Carmeron's father.

"Luckily, at three weeks old he had the heel prick test which at that stage tested for CF and it showed that was what was wrong with Cameron. He was lucky because it meant treatment could start straight away. Some children have to wait much longer for a diagnosis."

There is no cure for CF

which is caused by a single defective gene. As a result, the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, become clogged with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty digesting food. For Sue it meant having to give drugs and physiotherapy to her tiny baby.

"It was difficult," she says. "He was so tiny. The specialist unit at St James's Hospital in Leeds was very helpful and showed us how to administer everything at home. But there have been a lot of setbacks along the way. But he has a great deal of determination and I am so proud of what he is achieving."

Cameron works hard to keep himself fit, but realises that he is more prone to chest infections than his fellow golfers

Cameron took up golf at 11 years old and became hooked on the game after achieving a hole-in-one during his first season. Since leaving school, Cameron has pursued his ambition to play professional golf and has become a full-time golfer.

He has won a number of tournaments including

the Yorkshire U14 Championship, the Ian Poulter Scratch Invitational (two years running at age 14 and 15) and has represented Leeds District and Yorkshire at boys' level. In 2008, he received regional England coaching.

He equalled the course record at Cookridge Hall back in 2007, but has now exceeded it with an amazing 65 (-7 under par) setting a new record and reaching a handicap of scratch.

"Cameron had been striving to reach his current handicap for some time but was held back last year due to his ongoing health problems which have seen him hospitalised on several occasions and caused him to pull out of many of the competitions and tournaments. He is really enjoying his return to form and hopes to turn professional within the next few years," says Sue

CYSTIC FIBROSIS - THE FACTS

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease. It is caused by a single defective gene. As a result, the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, become clogged with thick, sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty digesting food.

Each week, five babies are born with cystic fibrosis and three young people die – 90 per cent from lung damage.

About half of the CF population can expect to live over 35 years, although improvements in treatments mean a baby born today is expected to live even longer.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK's only national charity dealing with all aspects of CF. It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with CF. Further information can be found on the website www.cftrust.org.uk