Bella Fairbrass has beautifully illustrated the true power of friendship.
The 11-year-old Margaret River student recently handed over $2075 to Conquer Cystic Fibrosis this week, a volunteer-run charity funding research into the incurable disease.
She did so in support of her friend, Arrabella Lawrence, who has the threatening genetic disease.
Bella raised the funds by making and selling 541 hair scrunchies in the school holidays with the help of her sister Millie.
This is Bella's second impressive effort to support the charity. Last year she she raised $1700 by cutting off her long hair at a school assembly.
"Cystic Fibrosis is a hard disease and my friend Arrabella is so brave," Bella said.
"She has to take about 25 medicines every day and do physiotherapy before school and after school.
"I hope the researchers can find a cure so she doesn't have to do all that and can live for a really long time."
Bella has joined a big and ongoing effort by the Margaret River community to support the South West chapter of Conquer Cystic Fibrosis.
The Lawrence family have been an inspirational force behind that with colour runs at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Masters Football matches and growing support for the annual Capel Vale Conquer Cystic Fibrosis Grand Ball held in Perth.
Bella's mum Amber Fairbrass said she was incredibly proud of her daughter.
"The bond Bella and Arrabella have is so strong and it has been since they were in kindy," Mrs Fairbrass said.
"We are all in awe of how Arrabella manages the burden of Cystic Fibrosis with a smile and so much positivity.
"Our community is right behind the Lawrence family and the desperate need for more research to help children with Cystic Fibrosis live a long and enjoyable life.
"There have been some big advancements in recent years but they need so much more."
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease which primarily impacts the lungs and digestive system.
Due to a lack of salt in the cells of someone with CF, mucus becomes thick. It then builds up in organs, clogs the tiny air passages in the lungs and traps bacteria.
Repeated infections and blockages cause irreversible lung damage.
"Unfortunately only 50 per cent of people with CF are making it to their 30th birthday and that is something we are determined to change," Conquer Cystic Fibrosis South West coordinator Taryn Barrett said.
"We have tangible hope children with CF will grow old but we need further research to tackle every aspect of this complex and cruel disease.
"We are so grateful to have Bella's support and witness the strength of her friendship with Arrabella."
For more information on Conquer Cystic Fibrosis visit www.conquercysticfibrosis.com
