Dad Nigel Farrow saw his baby Ella needed help, so he became a gene therapy researcher

NIGEL Farrow swapped his guitar for gene therapy research when his daughter Ella was born with cystic fibrosis, and with two degrees and a PhD now in hand he intends to cure her.

WHEN Nigel Farrow’s daughter, Ella, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby, he had a moment of blinding clarity in the rose garden opposite the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The career musician decided to put down his guitar and became a gene therapist.

With his 10-week-old daughter facing a life-threatening condition, he smelled the roses, realised what was important in life, and gave up his secure profession to go back to university.

Now, eight years, two medical science degrees, a Masters and a PhD later, Dr Farrow, 45, of Redwood Park, is using stem cells to improve lung function and remains ferociously determined to find a cure for CF.

Ella, 8, is dealing with the condition well as a wealth of research has pole-vaulted life expectancy for those with CF from teen years to late 30s, but Dr Farrow is adamant she will be in the first generation of patients to see an antidote.

“As a parent, when your child is sick there is nothing you wouldn’t do for them,” he said.

“I guess I just did it on a bigger scale. I believe we will find a cure and I’m determined to be part of it. I believe wholeheartedly that what we are doing will be a path to a cure.

“As parents we would do anything for our kids.”

The family had just returned to their home town of Adelaide after a stint living in NSW and were still looking for a house when Ella was diagnosed and rushed straight to intensive care.

Back then, Dr Farrow had a secure income in a job he loved — teaching music, playing the guitar in recording sessions and performing.

“I was very happy in my work but when Ella was diagnosed the passion died,” he said.

“(Wife) Karen was staying in hospital with Ella and things were pretty chaotic. I took Karen out for a break and we sat in the rose garden and it hit me there that I needed to turn my life around and do something to help.

“I made the decision there and then, and that night started looking into it.”

Dr Farrow completed a Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders University and a Bachelor of Health Science with first class honours, Masters and PhD at the University of Adelaide.

His PhD work was with the Adelaide Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Research Group based at the WCH.

He now works with this group undertaking molecular studies to prove that by treating stem cells as they replenish the lungs, they can sustain positive longer term effects.

Mr Farrow has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award in the Care and Compassion category, which recognises carers or medical professionals who have improved the lives of others