Claire Smith, a 38-year-old mother from Dudley, has endured up to a dozen infections each year after contracting pneumonia at age 14. That initial illness led to life-threatening sepsis, a collapsed lung, and a two-week induced coma, leaving lasting damage and a diagnosis of bronchiectasis shortly thereafter.
Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition explained by the charity Asthma + Lung, causes damage to the airways and buildup of phlegm, trapping bacteria and resulting in frequent infections. Today, Claire’s lung function stands at just 50 percent.
Early on, even simple activities like climbing stairs or playing football proved challenging. But in her early 30s, Claire turned to weightlifting, followed by running at 36, which significantly boosted her confidence and fitness. Her determination pushed her to complete a 50km trek across the Sahara Desert in October 2025 and to run the TCS London Marathon in April, honoring her late mother, Margaret O’Sullivan.
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Margaret, who passed away in May 2025 at age 68, also suffered from bronchiectasis and emphysema, a form of COPD causing lung tissue damage. Claire reflects on the importance of resilience, saying, “If I’d let this defeat me, my lungs could be in a very different state right now, and I probably wouldn’t be the active mum that I am.”
Claire’s struggle began with flu-like symptoms at 14. Despite an initial course of antibiotics, her condition worsened, leading to lethargy and delirium. An urgent ambulance call led to hospitalisation, where medical teams discovered sepsis and a collapsed lung, requiring ventilator support. She remained in an induced coma for two weeks, with her organs shutting down due to bacterial infections.
Emerging from the coma was tough; Claire faced muscle wastage and pressure sores, relying on physiotherapy for recovery. After a month in hospital and six months home-schooled, she was diagnosed with bronchiectasis, necessitating ongoing management with antibiotics and steroids.
Over two decades later, Claire still faces frequent infections, recently requiring 11 courses of antibiotics in one year alone. She carefully monitors her health and has become adept at recognizing early infection signs.
Her experience in healthcare, initially as a nurse and now as a midwife, deepened her understanding of her condition, motivating her to overcome fear and embrace fitness. Despite the challenges, Claire remains committed to an active lifestyle to ensure a hopeful future with her children and grandchildren.
Margaret’s health journey included a diagnosis of emphysema in 2023 and bronchiectasis in 2024, followed by interstitial lung disease later that year. Her declining health was a difficult road for the family, but Claire’s vow to honor her mother with the London Marathon symbolizes their unbreakable bond and enduring support.
Claire’s story is one of courage, determination, and hope amid chronic illness, reminding us of the power of resilience and love.