Kieron’s story: “The gym really empowered me”

I was diagnosed with CF at 6 years old, which is quite late. The heel prick test was missed when I was born, and as a result the first years of my life were very difficult with lots of hospital visits and ill health. The eventual diagnosis was a huge relief for me and my family as we finally had an answer. Once I was provided with the treatment I had been missing out on, my health improved drastically. The improvements in my digestion and physical fitness were really noticeable for me at that age and, luckily, my late diagnosis hasn’t led to long term issues and I’ve recovered very well. 

Growing up with CF 

Growing up with cystic fibrosis, I always just wanted to fit in and be like everyone else. I tried to keep up, whether that be in football or joining in other activities, but I was always noticeably smaller than everyone else and so I struggled with confidence.

I would always try and hide my CF from everyone in school in fear of it making me look different, which often meant missing my Creon as I was worried people would judge me. As I got to my teenage years, I had a few chest infections which required IV antibiotics, which made it even more difficult to hide my CF and led to a lot of anxiety.  

Looking back, I wish I had been more open about my CF. The older you get the more you realise that every single person is unique and people are a lot more understanding than you give them credit for.  

Discovering fitness 

When I got to 16, my friends and I started going to the gym. The gym really empowered me and showed me that I have complete control over certain aspects of my life – this coupled with the improved health it gave me really kickstarted my career in fitness and nutrition. 

I initially went to Swansea University to complete a degree in History. During this time, I continued my passion in fitness and nutrition – going to the gym regularly to build muscle, kickboxing, and regularly training. I also went vegan during this time for ethical reasons. 

During my degree I did an internship with the civil service, but realised I didn’t want a career in an office and wanted to be more active and help inspire others to do the same. I completed a high level Master’s degree in Nutritional Therapy at the University of Worcester and upon qualifying, I set up my own business Vigour Coaching (@kieronsmith_vc on Instagram). 

My main motivation is the way that fitness and nutrition has changed my life. It’s given me confidence, it’s kept me healthy, and it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone in all aspects of life. I love helping people achieve this same feeling. 

A gamechanger 

Kaftrio has been a complete gamechanger for me. My health was pretty good before Kaftrio but with it, my health is amazing. These last two years I have felt the healthiest I’ve been in my 20s. Growing up I was told 31 was the life expectancy for people with CF which used to scare me quite a bit, but now I’m 26 and extremely happy with how well I am. It’s amazing to see medications like this being introduced during my lifetime and it’s such positive news for any children being born with CF today.  

Workwise, alongside my coaching business I’m also working to develop a weight management app where the focus is on preventing weight gain rather than dieting. It’s a really exciting project which we hope will have a huge impact – this should be released in 2023 and will be called ‘Balancer’ so keep an eye out! 

Hopes for the future 

I want to help as many people as possible with their health and fitness goals. But also, I want to inspire others with CF to get into fitness – making it part of your daily life can truly change your health and your life.  

My partner and I are also considering exploring options for IVF and children in the future (this is something I never thought would be possible!). So life is all very exciting. 

But most importantly, I’ll continue to stay active, taking my medication and maintaining my health in the best possible way so I have many more years on this planet! 

A big thank you to Kieron for sharing his story. Find more information about staying active with CF here.  

*Remember to speak with your CF team before starting any new exercise.  

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.

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