David Finch and his grandson David Capitan

An 11-year-old boy from Preston is climbing Mt Machu Picchu in Peru to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

David Capitan, who lives in Lea, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and will embark on a four-day-trek up the 2430m mountain with his Grandad David Finch, this March.

The genetic condition is one of the most common life-threatening inherited diseases in the UK, resulting in the internal organs becoming clogged with thick, sticky mucus causing chronic infections, inflammation, and difficulty digesting food.

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Symptoms and severity differ across patients, with the most severe being a short life expectancy of 25-30 years old, but others can live with it for their entire lives.

Around one in 25 people in the UK carry the faulty gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis, most of them without knowing it.

David decided to tackle the Peru mountain to join with his Dad’s fundraising efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Carlos Capitan and his son David

Carlos Capitan, David’s dad, said: “We are very fortunate David has an excellent quality of life and so far other than regular hospital appointments, daily medicines and physio sessions his fitness and quality of life hasn’t been affected – he’s having a fantastic childhood, fit as fiddle.

“It’s incredible how resilient and tough little kids can be, and I can’t put into words how proud I am of him.

“It’s because of this that I have made it a personal life long goal to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and more importantly raise awareness amongst my friends and peers.

“I kick-started our mission 2 years ago by embarking on an adventure to climb Mount Kilimanjaro along with David’s grandad, which was a 5895m mountain.

“I am proud to announce that David, along with his grandad and stepdad, are now embarking on an adventure in March to mount an assault on Machu Pichu.”

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Carlos will be matching every pound raised, and all the proceeds will be going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Carlos continued: “The Trust do an incredible job.

“You never know when or how your life may be touched by Cystic Fibrosis.

“Please sponsor David’s climb and help us support the great work that Cystic Fibrosis Trust is doing in the UK by making a daily difference to the lives of people with this incurable disease, and those who care for them. I’ve seen it first hand.”

You can donate to David’s effort on his fundraising page.

What do you think about David’s efforts? Have you been involved with any charities recently? Let us know in the comments below