The family of a two year old boy with cystic fibrosis from Largs have rallied round to set up a huge charity challenge.

Connor Korhonen was only a month old when he was diagnosed with the genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system are clogged with thick, sticky mucus.

At present, it is an incurable disease, but the prognosis for children born with cystic fibrosis offers hope of a longer live than previously.

In the past, a child was lucky to live beyond five years, but with today’s medical advancements, they are now expected to ive past 41.

And in a heartwarming move, Connor’s family have come together with a masterplan to raise funds and help find a cure.

Cousin Claire Ferguson encouraged a total of 55 family mmeners to take part in a swim, cycle, run, walk and mountain climb challenge in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Trust this summer.

She said: “When Connor was diagnosed it was a big shock and probably the biggest thing that has happened to our family. We are such a big, close unit so we just said, ‘it will be fine, we’ll all just much in and we’ll help to find a cure.

“Connor is such a happy child, and just gets on with it. He’s a great wee boy.” Medics discovered that Connor had the condition after a sample was taken from heel prick test which every new born baby undergoes.

And Mum Haylie, and dad Nico, are keeping a positive outlook about the future.

Haylie said: “A nurse and doctor came to our house to tell us. When they said he had cycstic fibrois, I didn’t really know what it was. It was a shock, but I now know that they are quite close to finding a cure and there have been quite a few breakthroughs in the past two years.

“I also know that the life expectancy right now is about 40, but they say that by the time Connor becomes an adult that will have increased.” Connor undergoes medical check-ups from a specialist every two months, but was described as ‘a brave wee boy, who doesn’t know any different’ by his parents.

And the family have showed their unflinching support with a two day fitness bonanza planned for 25 and 26 July.

Claire explained: “On the Saturday some of the fmaily are going to climb a munro, led by my uncle Neil Mullen. Then on the Sunday, my other uncle, John Mullen, who does a lot of charity swims, will lead a one mile swim in Loch Thom with my brother Kenny Mackenzie and my cousin Peter Mullen.

“After the swim there will then be a group who will do a 23 mile cycle from Loch Thom to Largs, led by my cousins David and John Donnelly, before finishing at Lunderston Bay, Inverkip, where the runners will set off on a 10k to Gourock and back.

“Everyone will then take part in a three mile walk from Lunderston Bay to Battery Park, where we will have a big party to celebrate with food and entertainment for the kids.” As well as pledging support online via a Just Giving pafge, sponsors have the opportunity to enter a competition to win a holiday to Tenerife, kindly donated by Connor’s gran Diane Mullen.

Claire added: “I’m going to ask people to donate £1 to enter the competition and like and share the page on Facebook that should help us raise money too.” People who would like to donate, should go to Facebook and type in ‘Connors charity fundraiser, cystic fibrosis’.

Any volunteers who are able to help over the weekend are kindly asked to get in touch via the Facebook page.

Haylie said: “The charity event for Connor is a great idea, as it will raise awareness so cystic fibrosis and the charity.”