Parents who were devastated after their four-week-old baby girl was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis have launched a fundraising mission to boost a charity which carries out research into the condition.

Paul and Amber O’Connor, of Melford Way, Felixstowe, said they were shocked when they were told little Sienna-Mai had the disease.

But the family have decided to turn their situation into a force for good and Mr O’Connor, along with step daughter Chanelle, 16, are now setting out on a fundraising drive for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Mr O’Connor, 42, said: “We were devastated when we found out.

“She is such a good child. She doesn’t moan with all her medicine – she is on antibiotics twice a day for life, she has got to take enzymes every time she feeds, she has multi vitamins everyday and yet she is the happiest little baby.”

Mr O’Connor, an online retailer, and Chanelle are now in training for the Great Manchester Run as they aim to help the Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s aim of finding a cure for the disease, which makes it difficult for sufferers to breathe and digest food.

Although they have not set a fundraising target for the 10k event, they are hoping to make a sizeable contribution to the trust.

Mr O’Connor, who attends Elim Church in Ipswich, said: “I am going to go on and on finding different ways to raise money.”

Despite the diagnosis, the family say that Sienna-Mai is exceeding all expectations – and they have been overwhelmed by the support of their friends and family.

Mr O’Connor added: “We have had amazing support from the church and the hospital and all our friends. The support has been fantastic.”

If you would like to donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/pauloconnor or there is also a sponsorship form at The Star and EADT offices in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.