65 Roses Day to help raise funds for people with cystic fibrosis like six-year-old Beau Shilton

Beau Shilton has spent countless days in hospital, missing out on spending time with his friends at school.

But the six-year-old, who has cystic fibrosis, has been given the all clear to leave hospital for one very special reason — 65 Roses Day.

Marked on Thursday and run by Cystic Fibrosis WA, the awareness day allows people to buy roses to help fund research and support for those living with the disease.

About 400 West Australians have the condition, which primarily affects the lungs but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine as a result of a build up of thick mucus.

Beau was only two weeks old when his parents were told he had CF and would need medication for the rest of his life.

He now takes at least 25 medications, does two physio sessions, and uses a nebuliser — a machine that converts liquid medication into a mist can be inhaled directly into the lungs — everyday.

“Cystic fibrosis impacts Beau everyday because there are no rests when it comes to CF,” his mum Ashlie Shilton said.

“Sometimes when he would rather be out playing he’s inside doing his treatments and this is when he’s well.

“When he’s unwell there becomes more. He’s only had two full days at school this term and now he will be missing the next fortnight due to being admitted into hospital as he needs IV antibiotics.

“Although he seems and looks like a normal little boy he’s got all these extra challenges.”

Beau will be able to leave the hospital on Thursday to sell 200 roses at his school, St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School.

Beau said he would be able to sell “all of them”.

The school will also be holding an assembly where his friends will be spreading awareness about the condition.

“It’s a great school and to have all his friends understand what he goes through is amazing, his friends look out for him, and they also miss him when he’s away,” Ms Shilton said.

“We’re always just trying to fundraise for the next best thing and at the moment that is the drug Trikafta — it’s helped a lot of children.

“There are still a lot of children waiting to get the modulator drugs that they need to help them so until every person with CF is getting the help they need, we will keep on fundraising and spreading awareness.”

CFWA is hoping to sell a record 26,000 roses across the State.

A virtual rose can be bought and grown in the online rose garden or buy one of the thousands of roses available from volunteers across shopping centre stalls, schools and community groups this 65 Roses Day.