Mortal And Strong - Voice No. 40 Sarah W

Honoured to have another incredible Voice sharing her story with us and this is a unique story raising the awareness of the dangers of environmental triggers causing life threatening disease. Sarah has an interstitial lung disease called Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis as a result of over a decade exposure to a small amount of mould in her house. After living for just over a decade in a housing association flat whereby there was a very small (less than a 30cm ruler) amount of mould in her wardrobe Sarah began getting short of breathe. When this continued to progress and not responding to 'asthma treatment' eventually she was diagnosed with the incurable lung disease. Sarah needed 7 months of chemotherapy and has been on steroids for over 6 years to stabilise the disease. Sarah will likely need a lung transplant and requires oxygen every day to move around, all from a preventable disease which could have been avoided through no fault of her own. This story truly is an important reminder of the dangers of environmental hazards and Sarah does a lot of awareness work to educate people on the importance of taking damp and mould seriously, and to change legislation to help tenants affordable housing have safer living conditions. Despite this, Sarah shares a wonderful positive outlook on life and how she finds joy in the simple things. Thank you to Sarah for bringing to light such an important topic in our campaign.

Mortal and Strong provides a campaign using art to shine the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Building a platform to provide health awareness, support and education to change the face of disease in young people. Founded by Dr Liz Murray. 

For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. 

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