AN INSPIRATIONAL York doctor with cystic fibrosis has marked his landmark 30th birthday.

Dr Aaron Brown was not expected to survive beyond 30 when he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby.

Soon to be made partner at the Elvington Medical Practice, Aaron has studied for exams from his hospital bed and became the only member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England to have cystic fibrosis.

To mark his birthday he started fundraising to help others with cystic fibrosis reach their 30th birthdays.

He set out to raise £100 by asking people to donate instead of getting him cards or presents, but has been overwhelmed by support, reaching a fundraising total of over £1,500 since starting his campaign.

Aaron said: “Many people with cystic fibrosis, unfortunately, do not get the chance to celebrate their 30th birthday at all.

“I don’t want to celebrate until everyone with cystic fibrosis can celebrate reaching 30-years-old and many years beyond that.

“Reaching that landmark age is a testimony to the care and support I have received over the years from the scores of doctors, nurses, family and friends.

“Instead of any gifts or cards this year, I decided to opt for donations to the charity responsible for funding research and helping people with cystic fibrosis; the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

After reaching his milestone 30th birthday, Aaron set up an an online donations page for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity dedicated to investing in cutting-edge research to develop better treatments and standards of care.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, which 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. It is a life-shortening condition.

Aaron studied medicine at Hull York Medical School. In 2010, while studying for his surgical membership exams he had to study from his hospital bed.

Later he worked as a surgeon but missed interacting with patients and retrained as a GP, going on to work in Elvington.

If you would like show your support for Aaron you can still do so by donating at
justgiving.com/Aaron-Brown5