Chelsie Whibley: What is cystic fibrosis, the disease she died fighting?

Chelsie Whibley, who appeared in Dani’s House and Sadie J, has unfortunately passed away yesterday. She had to put her acting career on hold at 20 due to cystic fibrosis - a hereditary disorder characterised by the accumulation of sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive tract.

Cystic fibrosis

The cells that create sweat, mucus, and digestive enzymes are affected by cystic fibrosis. These fluids are typically thin and silky and preserve your organs and tissues from being too dry by lubricating them. However, in cystic fibrosis, a genetic mutation tends to increase the thickness of mucus and other fluids. These thicker fluids, in turn, hamper the function of other organs such as the lungs, pancreas or liver. It is a chronic, progressive and frequently fatal genetic disease. The earlier it is detected and treated, the better is a person’s chance to survive.

The thick, sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis frequently obstructs the passageways that allow air to enter and exit the lungs. Shortness of breath, especially while exercising, wheezing, chronic cough that produces thick mucus or phlegm and recurring lung infections are common symptoms for it. Chelsie's extensively scarred lungs were no longer operable and only functioned at 25%, requiring her to take a daily cocktail of 60 medicines. After her specialised hospital unit was given over to coronavirus patients, Chelsie had to undertake extensive intravenous treatment at home.

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Gone too soon!

The CBBC actor was 30-year-old and lived way past what was thought to be her time. Doctors predicted Whibley would not live past the age of 16, but she outlived the prognosis by 13 years. The former actress was transported to Southampton General Hospital and died at 2.45 p.m. yesterday. After being unable to live through her condition, her husband Glyn announced the news and wrote:

I’m afraid this is the hardest thing I have ever had to write. This morning Chelsie took a rapid turn for the worse and became unresponsive. She was rushed to Southampton General Hospital.

It is with deepest regret that I have to inform everyone that our dearest beautiful Chelsie sadly passed away this afternoon at 2.45pm.

Confirming that the actress was not in any pain and this happened all of a sudden, he added:

It was very quick and she was not in any pain. I know you will all want to send your condolences but we ask to please limit it to comments below in this very distressing time.

To my gorgeous inspiration wife, we will love you always.