A GREENOCK dad rocked by a shock diagnosis of a life-limiting illness whilst going through fertility treatment with his wife has told how their 'miracle' twin babies have been born with the debilitating condition.

Chris Jones had reached the age of 32 with no idea that he had a cystic fibrosis (CF) gene called DF508 until doctors had carried out tests into why he and wife Michaela, 34, were struggling to conceive.

The couple were told during their three-year IVF journey that there was a one-in-four chance of them having a child with the illness.

They received the news shortly after the births their babies — Orlaith and Elijah — in August last year that both twins each have two DF508 genes, meaning they have full CF.

Chris, now 35, told the Telegraph: "The twins are a bit of a miracle really.

"They've been through three operations each and they've only just turned one.

"It's a really challenging thing to get through but Michaela and the wee ones are amazing. 

"You just have to keep going and push through."

Chris says the full form of the condition affects life expectancy and knows that research carried out by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust will be vital in helping little Orlaith and Elijah live full, long and healthy lives.

His dad, also Chris, and fellow members of Whinhill Golf Club are now preparing to raise money for the charity through a sponsored walk on September 10. 

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He says he's 'in awe' of his dad and his club mates, but even more so of his 'amazing' wife and their beautiful babies for the way they deal with the condition. 

Chris told how finding out he had CF was a 'complete shock' and that he may never have known were it not for the medical tests as part of the IVF process.

He said: "I realised I had been having a few different symptoms, like some back pain, but I thought it was just me getting older and nothing that would have an impact on my life.

"I like to say that I have CF but it doesn't have me."

Chris is now in regular contact with a team of specialists and manages to live a full life with the condition. 

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He and Michaela, who live in Yorkshire, learned that Orlaith and Elijah had full CF just days after they were born. 

He said: "They hadn't passed their first poo but we were told that was quite normal as they were born by caesarian section. 

"Three days later, they were transferred by ambulance to Sheffield Children's Hospital as Elijah's bowel ruptured. 

"Orlaith had to have an emergency operation the next day.

"It was horrific but the staff were absolutely incredible. 

"They looked after all of us from the minute we met them."

Chris and Michaela now have to take the babies through two rounds of respiratory physiotherapy every day. 

The movements help to loosen up the secretions stuck in their lungs and make it easier for the tots to cough up mucus. 

Both infants also take pancreas medication before every meal to kick start an enzyme that helps to absorb fat.

Elijah needs a nebuliser and has to be fed through a tube straight into his stomach. 

Chris, who is a team leader for the ambulance service in Yorkshire, says he knows CF will affect the tots' life expectancy but is hoping they will be eligible for a new wonder drug called orkambi. 

He said: "We're really hoping they'll be able to get this drug.

"It's going to be a lifelong challenge but the drug will help them go on and lead normal lives managing their condition. 

"We have to do everything that we can to help them live the best life possible. 

"They're amazing kids and are so resilient."

Chris says money being raised by the team at Whinhill Golf Club will have a direct impact on his family. 

His dad went through a triple bypass recently and is determined to take part in the 12-mile trek to Largs on the 10th. 

Chris says he and Michaela want to say a huge 'thank-you' to everyone involved in organising the walk. 

He added: "Research into the condition could extend Orlaith's and Elijah's lives by 20 or 25 years so raising money is vital.

"The Cystic Fibrosis Trust carries out amazing research so this will directly impact us. 

"We're in awe of the club, especially Gary Havlin, my dad and the committee, for doing this for us."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/gwgc-1691490082678