“Here we are – we’re stronger than ever”: Kelly’s Great Strides™ story

My name is Kelly, I’m 31 years old and I’m originally from Holland. I moved to the UK in 2015 and work as a lecturer at Coventry University in sports and events management.

I was just under a year old when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). I think I’ve been incredibly lucky because my CF has always been quite mild. My parents wanted me to enjoy being a child, they didn’t want me to grow up in a glass box, but they’ve always been strict with my medication and sticking to my treatment regime. I think this has paid off in the long run. I did struggle a bit with my energy levels at times – especially as a teenager when I wanted to go out partying! But now Kaftrio’s come along, my health is really good. I feel like my lungs are a lot better than I’d have ever expected them to be at 31! Sometimes I even forget I have CF.

After I moved to the UK, I remained partly under the care of doctors in Holland for a little while. It was like my safety net, because I was so used to having hospital care in Holland and I didn’t want to let it go. But about four years ago I made the decision to completely move over to UK care, and I’ve been incredibly lucky with the team at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham. They were so supportive with the transition.

Moving over to UK care also meant I could access Kaftrio earlier than if I’d been in Holland, because it’s only recently been approved there. It’s been an incredible experience, seeing how quickly my energy levels and lung function improved. I’ve had a really positive experience.

I always like to have a bit of a challenge or a goal that I’m working towards. When I got an email from the Trust about Great Strides™, I was feeling like I was at a bit of an impasse with my fitness. So, I forwarded it to my boyfriend. We both love walking and thought it would be a really nice way of raising money for a charity that’s very close to my heart. I originally suggested doing the 20km route, but he said “no Kelly, we can do the 40km!” We make a good team. If I’m struggling, he can keep me going.

For training, I go to the gym two or three times a week. I do a mix of weightlifting as well as walking or running on the treadmill. On the weekends we’ve been going for at least one really long walk. It’s quite flat where we live, so we want to get out into the Peak District so we can try out doing that sort of distance over hilly terrain and see what we’re really up against. I’m going to start incorporating a stairmaster into my gym routine as well. I’m convinced that when we actually get out there to do Great Strides™, the adrenaline will be what keeps me going!

We did a long training walk the other week and it was funny because it was my boyfriend, not me, who was struggling! If you’d told me that five years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you – there’s not a chance that would have happened. I can only put it down to Kaftrio, having that extra energy and a bit of a boost.

My top tip for other walkers is to just go out there and enjoy it. Don’t make it too hard, don’t overthink it. Just go out there and enjoy nature and maybe stop off at a nice pub to treat yourself!

The idea of a life unlimited means a lot to me. I think my generation of people with CF have gone through such a transition with new treatments and medications. So, I think a life unlimited means we can do anything, and nothing can stop us anymore. I think people with CF are strong, because we faced so many adversities, so many difficulties and struggles. Yet here we are. We’re stronger than ever.

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.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives - and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.

Fundraising carried out by our community helps us fund vital research and support those living with CF. Find out more about what you can do to help everyone with CF live a life unlimited.

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