Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas is spearheading a vital campaign to raise public awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), driven by the harrowing experience of her mother's diagnosis.
A Mother's 'Scary' and 'Debilitating' Struggle
Ballas has opened up about the profound impact of witnessing her mother, Audrey, choke and struggle for breath, describing the scenes as 'really quite scary' and 'debilitating'. Her mother received the COPD diagnosis in 2022 after suffering with symptoms for many years, a situation compounded by a lifetime of smoking that began in childhood.
Doctors have warned that the condition is irreversible and will not improve, with common illnesses like the flu posing a severe risk of serious complications.
Taking the Campaign to Parliament and Beyond
Determined to make a difference, Shirley Ballas is set to address MPs in Parliament to advocate for change. She is collaborating with the pharmaceutical company Sanofi on its Breathe Equal campaign, aiming to dramatically increase public understanding of respiratory conditions.
A key part of her advocacy focuses on fighting for improved access to care in 'deprived areas' and encouraging early diagnosis. This is critically important, as nearly two million people in the UK are currently living with COPD, many of whom may be undiagnosed.
A Personal Mission for Public Health
By sharing her family's personal story, Ballas hopes to destigmatise the condition and empower others to seek help. Her powerful testimony highlights the urgent need for greater support, research, and resources dedicated to combating this widespread respiratory illness.
