A record 12,750 runners have started the Dublin Marathon today with competitors from all over the world taking part.

Dublin city centre will come to a standstill tomorrow as a record 12,750 runners pound the streets in the capital’s marathon.

THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS Association is concerned that, following the death of 18-year-old Darina Calpin, those suffering with lung disease could be at greater risk from swine flu.

A demonstration has been taking place outside the Dáil today to protest against the delay in the provision of a specialised hospital unit for cystic fibrosis sufferers.

CYSTIC fibrosis patients are being put at a high risk of infection because they are sharing rooms and facilities with other patients at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Association.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to fund the construction of Ireland’s first dedicated cystic fibrosis unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

WERE it not for the outstanding work of voluntary groups, many people with disabilities would be facing a lot more suffering.

HOSPITAL should be a haven for Edelle Collins when her cystic fibrosis flares up. Instead, the place she should have care and comfort fills her with fear.

Donal Hickey

BILLY Burke’s tragic death is a bitter metaphor for Ireland’s flawed health service and its long-running dependence on Britain for lifesaving lung transplants.

A DONOR shortage has been blamed for the delay in the first lung transplant to be performed in Ireland.

“I REFUSE to die without a chance to live.”

Time is running out for Billy Burke, the young Kerry man who desperately needs a lung transplant to pursue even just a hope of life.

THREE brothers returned home yesterday after spending five months driving halfway round the world to raise €250,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Association.