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Her bravery shines through

Eve Dugdale
14/12/2005

A HADFIELD schoolgirl who plays the cornet and enjoys sport, despite suffering from a disease which makes it difficult for her to breathe, has been given a young achiever award.

St Andrew's Primary school pupil Caitlin Rich, who has cystic fibrosis, was nominated for the Derbyshire County Council award by her teacher Helen Parry.

She says the brave nine year old is an inspiration to everyone she meets.

"I just read the nomination form in the staff room and felt that Caitlin fitted all the criteria. She never mentions her illness and manages all her medication herself. She has lots of tablets to take but you never hear her complain," Helen said.

"As soon as you meet her it's obvious how brave she is. She even takes part in PE with her intravenous line in.

"She deserves the award so much because she has to put up with so much, but she's a lovely young girl."

Caitlin's dad, Glenn, said he was very proud when he heard about the award.

"I thought it was very nice of the school to nominate Caitlin because she is very good at just getting on with things. She's able to have a normal school life even though she has medication and lines in," he said.

"She loves school and is a very clever girl - she must get that from her mum Ann! She enjoys literacy and is also very good at maths and science. She's very inquisitive and loves to be good at everything she tries. She plays the cornet, does karate and goes swimming."

Caitlin, of Padfield Main Road, has a younger brother, Adam, who also suffers from the condition. She will receive a certificate and a surprise gift at an awards ceremony tomorrow (Friday).