"Running is something I never imagined I could do": Justyna's London Marathon story

I’m Justyna, a girl who smiles a lot and, most recently, a nursing student. I was diagnosed with CF at six months old. Life started with challenges: I was born prematurely, and from my very first days, I had to fight. 

Living with CF is a constant balancing act – managing appointments, treatments, hospital stays, and potential surgeries while trying to live as normal a life as possible. Over the years, I’ve learned resilience, patience, and how to find strength even when things feel overwhelming. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. 

Running is something I never imagined I could do, so reaching the point where I can run a marathon feels incredibly special. It wouldn’t have been possible without the advancements in treatments that, just a few years ago, we could only dream about. 

Training has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. Some days I feel unstoppable; other days, it’s tough. Managing my health alongside a training schedule isn’t easy, but I’m making progress! I’ve cried, struggled, and had setbacks, but I haven’t – and won’t – give up. On the days when training does get tough, I think about the CF community and why I started this journey. I’m a first-time runner – someone who never thought running was possible. Every step is for a future where CF doesn’t limit anyone’s life.  

I’m running for Cystic Fibrosis Trust because they were there for me when life got tough. The Trust has had a huge impact on my life, and on the lives of so many others with CF. They help people with CF live longer, healthier lives and this run is my way of giving something back. 

To know that a record number of people with CF will be taking part in the marathon this year is incredible and inspiring. It shows how far we’ve come but we can’t stop there. The breakthroughs have been amazing and changed lives, but there’s still a long way to go until everyone with CF can live a life unlimited. A life of freedom and the ability to dream big without worrying about CF holding you back. A life where you don’t have to plan everything around treatments and hospital stays. A life lived without constant compromises. 

We’d like to wish Justyna and all our London Marathon runners lots of luck and thank them for their incredible support. 

Marathon tips for people with CF 

We’ve worked with exercise physiologist Dr Owen Tomlinson, physiotherapist Rachel McDowell and running coach Matt Strange (who has CF) to put together a guide designed to support you every step of the way when taking on a marathon. From managing your symptoms to tailoring your training routine, we’ve got practical tips and advice to help you run safely and confidently. 

Read the guide