SOUTHAMPTON’S elegant electric string trio Cordelectra is supporting The Cystic Fibrosis Autumn Ball on Saturday October 18 at the Concorde Club.

But the event is made all the more poignant as their cellist Debbie Packer, 27 – who hails from Whiteley, suffers from cystic fibrosis.

Despite this, she has been able to perform at the most prestigious venues and events including the MTV European Music Awards, Royal Variety Performance and Eurovision Song Contest.

The trio also support the Southampton Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit Charity Fund and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust where they can.

Cystic Fibrosis, the UK’s most common inherited life-shortening disease, is hidden and affects the lungs and digestive system. Only half of those with the disease can expect to reach their 40th birthday.

Debbie looks completely healthy, but lives her life with a lung function of between 30-40 per cent of what it should be for someone her age.

Debbie also spends weeks in hospital every year and spends between three and eight hours a day carrying out a demanding treatment regime.

Debbie also has osteoporosis and diabetes which often come as part of the disease.

Emma Clark, violinist says: “You really would never know Debbie was managing all this, as she always puts on a smile and is always professional.

"Her diary management is good and we always plan ahead so we know which performances we can offer as a duo so that she can have treatment and which ones we can offer as a trio.”

Debbie said: “Being part of Cordelectra is brilliant for me as it makes me work really hard at the treatment for my CF so that I am as well as possible. Emma and Patricia are very supportive and always help me with carrying my cello so that I have energy for the performances we do.”

Patricia Spodzieja, violist, is delighted that the trio are performing at the event. She said: “It is important to us that we support the charities close to our hearts where we can, especially where Debbie is organising this event.”

Debbie is organising the Cystic Fibrosis Autumn Ball in a completely voluntary capacity and is delighted to be expecting more than 270 guests on the evening.

She is grateful to be supported by Danielle Bull, Jamie Mathieson and various supportive helpers.

The Ball is also being sponsored by Silver Lining Convergence Ltd, Forest Laboratories Ltd, Warrens Display Ltd, Healthcare at Home Ltd, Ultra Communications Ltd, Orega Ltd, Eclipse Ltd, Vibe Business Interiors, OneCloud Ltd and Silver Lining Laboratories.

Rob Lamberti – appearing as George Michael, is also supporting the event. For details about Cordelectra go to cordelectra.co.uk.