Why We're Supporting Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week: Giorgia's Story
From the 9th–15th June, we’re proud to support Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week in partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust — a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts here at The GelBottle.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition that affects more than 11,000 people in the UK. It causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, making breathing difficult and leading to persistent infections. It’s a condition that requires daily treatment and has no cure — and while medical advances have improved outcomes in recent years, the average life expectancy is still just 63.
We’re shining a light on CF in support of our very own Giorgia Cappella, TGB’s Head of Education & Spa, who was diagnosed with the condition just three years ago.
Cystic Fibrosis: Giorgia’s Story
Although Giorgia was born with CF, she wasn’t diagnosed until 2022 at the age of 23. Throughout her life, she experienced ongoing health problems, especially chest infections, but the underlying cause remained a mystery until a severe infection triggered a full investigation and, finally, a diagnosis.
At the time, Giorgia had just qualified as a nail technician — a career she had fallen in love with — but the job may have unknowingly contributed to her decline in health. Not wearing PPE and being exposed to nail dust possibly played a role in worsening her condition and accelerating her diagnosis. It's a reminder of just how vital proper protection is in the salon environment.
Being told she had a genetic illness with an average lifespan of 63 was a devastating blow. Her lung function had dropped to just 63%, and there were fears that she might never recover that loss. But thanks to the incredible CF team at Southampton Hospital and a breakthrough medication called Kaftrio, Giorgia has regained 25% of her lung function and is now able to live a much more normal and active life.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the reality for everyone living with CF. Many are still waiting for access to the same care and treatment, and that’s why we’re committed to raising awareness and funds.
Raising Awareness for Cystic Fibrosis at TGB HQ
On Thursday 12th June, we’re hosting our very own Wear Yellow Day a day early at The GelBottle HQ in Brighton — turning the office yellow in honour of CF Awareness Week.
Giorgia will be leading a lunchtime session for our team alongside a guest from the CF community, offering a powerful, first-hand perspective on what life with CF is really like. Over pizza (because of course!), we’ll be learning more about the condition, the challenges people face, and the life-changing impact of access to proper care.
And in true TGB style — we’re doing it all with a splash of fun. Expect yellow cupcakes, yellow outfits, and even a bright yellow hair transformation to raise money for the CF Trust.
Supporting Through Our Products & Platform
Beyond the office, we’re using our voice and platform to raise awareness and give back in a meaningful way.
To mark the week, we’ll be gifting a free yellow Studio Gel™ with every order — a bright, bold reminder of the cause we’re supporting. Each order will also include a card with more information about CF, a message of support from Giorgia, and a scannable QR code that links directly to our tracked donation page for the CF Trust.
For those looking to shop with impact, we’ll be donating 10% of the profits from all yellow product sales to the CF Trust. This will be tracked and donated in the same way as our Future Dreams collaboration, helping to support vital research and care services for people living with CF.
How You Can Help
- Wear yellow on Friday 13th June and tag @the_gelbottle_inc and @cftrustuk to help spread the word.
- Shop yellow — 10% of the profits will be donated to the CF Trust. Giorgia’s favourites include: Sorbet BIAB™, Eggshell gel polish and Peacci Lemonade.
- Click here to donate directly
- Share your own story on our community page to raise awareness and show support for the CF community.
Learn more at cysticfibrosis.org.uk
Standing with Giorgia — and Everyone Living with CF
We’re incredibly proud of Giorgia, and honoured to stand beside her — and the entire CF community — this Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week. Your support means the world, and together, we can help fund the breakthroughs and care that change lives.
— With love,
The GelBottle Team
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