CF Trust Ambassadors

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is grateful to all the people with CF and their families who take the time to speak to the media and give case studies and who help us to raise awareness about CF to key supporters, companies and the public.

We would especially like to thank our ambassadors.

Oli Lewington

Oli is 26 years old and is editor of our magazine for young adults, CF Talk. He has personally represented the interests of those with CF to government health ministers, and has made impressive and emotive presentations to key organisations and individuals.

He captured the hearts and minds of the producers and actors, including Tamzin Outhwaite and Harry Lloyd, in the 2006 production of Vital Signs.

Oli ensures a thoughtful and positive message about CF is presented, but never dodges the tough issues that many people with CF have to face from time to time.

His blog and his regular messages on the CF Trust message boards are realistic, positive and thought provoking.

In November 2007, Oli received a double lung transplant.

Sophie Longton

Sophie is 21 and is a university student in Manchester. She wasn't diagnosed with CF until she was eight years old and although she keeps fairly well, she has had a a number of haemoptyses and acute pancreatitis. As a result, she has spent quite a lot of time in Wythenshawe hospitals in between her studies and parties.

Sophie has represented the CF Trust on a number of key occasions including a reception for Commit to Get Fit and explaining CF to drug companies.

With a penchant for sparkly shoes and an enthusiasm for life, Sophie shows that whilst life with CF may be hard sometimes, life is also fun and to be enjoyed.


Oli Rayner

Oli Rayner made contact with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to offer his services after a conversation with one of our first ambassadors, Nicky West.

Nicky and Oli were both in the Brompton and Oli was intrigued by the media comings and goings in the room next door. When things had settled down a bit, Oli checked with Nicky what was going on. She explained that she worked closely with the CF Trust and that as a result, she had developed a lot of contacts with people who could help, including celebrities and Government ministers. She urged Oli to get involved and we were very pleased when he did so.

Oli is a director of Merchant Capital plc where he has worked for over eight years doing corporate finance and venture capital. He works hard and plays hard, but is keen to use some of his talent and energy to help others with Cystic Fibrosis.

Oli manages his CF well and is keen to put our case to those in the City who could really make a difference if they got behind us.


Emily Thackray

Emily is 24 and was on the transplant list for nearly two years. In January 2007, she had a successful lung transplant. Petite, pretty and usually dressed in pink, it would be easy to underestimate Emily.

She campaigns constantly, very cheerfully, but very effectively for better services for those with Cystic Fibrosis. Although issues surrounding transplantation have been her priority over recent months, she has also recently lobbied for improved home oxygen services and better food in hospital.

Via our message boards, her blog, her poignant, but focused articles in the press and her innumerable appearances on television and at our special events, Emily has ensured many young people including those in a position to make a real difference, know how Cystic Fibrosis affects young adults at present.

Alex Stobbs
Following the broadcast of the programme A boy called Alex, Alex Stobbs has become special to huge numbers of people who knew very little about CF prior to seeing this remarkable film.

It showed Alex as he wants to be, a musical genius, in the context of his daily battle with Cystic Fibrosis. His courage, his vulnerability, his determination and his frailty all intertwined and when set against the background of his musical talent, touched the hearts of all those who saw the film.

Alex epitomises the charisma that is shared by so many of those with CF, and by allowing the public an insider's view of life with CF, he has helped to raise the understanding of Cystic Fibrosis immeasurably.

Find out more about Alex and his latest project, to conduct the Matthew Passion.