Imagine the sheer terror of watching a loved one struggle to breathe. That's the reality for Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, as she witnesses her mother's battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This debilitating lung condition affects millions, and Ballas is now using her platform to raise crucial awareness.
Before her mother, Audrey, was diagnosed in 2022, Ballas admitted she'd never even heard of COPD. Now, she's intimately familiar with the disease, describing the experience of seeing her mother's breathlessness as 'terrifying'. She recounted instances where Audrey struggled to breathe, with airways closing, leaving her choking. This fear is amplified by Ballas' busy schedule, as she worries about her mother's well-being when she's not present.
Ballas lives with and cares for her 88-year-old mother, who is bravely attempting to quit smoking. She shared that despite the challenges, Audrey remains active, managing daily tasks like washing and ironing. Ballas has adapted their home, placing 'little stools all around the house' to allow her mother to rest and catch her breath.
But here's where it gets controversial... The social impact of COPD is also significant. Ballas revealed her mother's anxiety about coughing in public, leading to a reduced social life. They now limit outings to just once a week, for a few hours. Audrey prefers the safety of her home, which Ballas finds 'kind of sad.' Audrey uses a nebulizer and puffer, but Ballas admits getting her to use the devices is a struggle.
Ballas emphasizes her deep bond with her mother, acknowledging her sacrifices, including working four jobs to support Ballas's childhood dance aspirations. She describes her mother as the 'true queen of the house,' and expresses immense gratitude for all she's done.
Ballas recently spoke at a House of Commons event, advocating for increased resources and awareness of COPD. She highlighted that over one million people have been diagnosed, but an estimated two million remain undiagnosed. Ballas is particularly passionate about raising awareness in deprived areas, where smoking and poor air quality are more prevalent.
And this is the part most people miss... Ballas encourages anyone experiencing breathing difficulties to insist on being tested for COPD, rather than simply receiving antibiotics. She stresses that even though COPD is not always visible, it's a condition that demands prioritization.
What do you think? Are you or someone you know affected by COPD? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Do you agree with Ballas's call for increased awareness and testing? Let's start a conversation about this important health issue!
