A KNUTSFORD shop owner and serial fundraiser is turning his attention to a cause close to his heart, encouraging the town’s businesses to go yellow for cystic fibrosis.

Peter Murray, of Pulse of Perfumery, has supported 41 different charities since moving into Princess Street five years ago, and will now draw on the business community to raise awareness of the condition he lost his daughter to aged just 18.

More than 40 restaurants, bars, banks and shops will decorate their premises in yellow throughout June, raising awareness for cystic fibrosis and also holding collections in-store.

Peter said: “When my partner came into the business in February, she said ‘do you realise you have supported 41 causes – why don’t you look at supporting a charity close to your heart?’

“What we have decided to do is, while still giving to other charities, make cystic fibrosis and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust our main focus. I have set myself a challenge of getting 2,000 yellow balloons in the town centre.

“June 23 is national ‘wear yellow day’, and having spoken to 45 businesses already, they all want to join in. So many families and people in Knutsford will have children with, or be affected by, cystic fibrosis.

“The charity is supporting us with balloons and banners and leaflets, and the businesses have been wholeheartedly supportive.”

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, almost 11,000 people in the UK are affected by cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition causing an excessive build-up of mucus to impact the function of the lungs and digestive system.

One in 25 of us are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, although most cases are diagnosed at birth and, as of 2007, all newborns in the UK are screened. The average life expectancy for sufferers is around 37 years.

Peter says something like this has never been done on this scale in Knutsford.

Ahead of June 23, the Trust said: “We’re committed to making this year’s Wear Yellow Day the biggest and brightest ever. Last year, we raised over £10,000.”