Helen Barrett Bright Ideas: Lucy’s play

I started writing during lockdown while shielding. I was living in a flat in London with no outside space, so to escape I would write TV shows and plays. I entered the BBC Writersroom competition and out of over 5,000 scripts, I was one of 25 people shortlisted. I didn’t make it to the final 12, but I did get invited to submit for BBC London Voices. Then I entered a Channel 4 screenwriting competition, and this time I made it to the final 12. Now, I’m working with a script editor on a new TV pilot idea. 

My plan for the future is to write for TV and theatre. I would love for there to be characters with CF and storylines that are about more than just their illness. CF influences my writing a lot as it’s extremely important to me to represent disability on TV, without taking an overly sanitised approach. My aim is to show that people with disabilities can be sexually desirable and are human beings with flaws and their own moral codes. I want to challenge the common stereotype of us all being brave and heroic. 

I was so touched and grateful that the Trust would support me with my goals of becoming a writer. I’m going to use the award to put on a play and have it filmed, which will help me showcase my work and hopefully get an agent. The play is based on my recent experiences with psychosis, which I experienced when I started taking Kaftrio, as well as themes like survivor’s guilt, self-harm and same-sex relationships. It explores how difficult it was to have a drug which massively helped my physical health but destroyed my mental health. The first draft’s ready to go, so I need to edit it and then start auditioning actors. 

My health is currently quite up and down. Due to the side effects, I can only tolerate a modified dose of Kaftrio, which means I’m not getting the full benefits of this amazing drug. But my friends and family inspire me. They support me through all the ups and downs and, honestly, I couldn’t have got through it all without them. 

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing. 

The Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards are available for anyone with CF over the age of 18 to help support your dream career or hobby. Whatever you need to make your lightbulb moment a reality, a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award can help you on your way.

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