NWJCC Collaboration Shines as Llandough Cystic Fibrosis Centre Empowers Patient to Achieve Life-Changing Goal

03 April 2025

A cystic fibrosis (CF) patient has completed a historic transatlantic rowing challenge, thanks to the dedicated support of the Llandough service, commissioned by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC).

Sophie Pierce, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby, once faced a life expectancy of just 30 years.  Sophie shared her story with BBC Wales when she was preparing for the challenge and has now celebrated breaking the Atlantic rowing record when she made land on 27 March (which you can read all about here:  Cystic fibrosis: Sophie Pierce breaks Atlantic rowing record - BBC News).

But now at 32, she has rowed 3,200 miles from Lanzarote to Antigua alongside three teammates in a 60-day challenge to raise funds for charity, remarkably reaching their goal a week ahead of schedule.

Despite embracing ambitious goals throughout her life, including climbing Kilimanjaro and hiking Offa’s Dyke, Sophie’s condition presented increasing challenges, requiring extensive treatments and hospital visits.

A turning point came when she joined a clinical trial at Llandough Hospital, testing a breakthrough drug that stabilised her condition and improved her lung function, commissioned by the NWJCC.

The CF Centre at Llandough, which serves patients across Wales, has provided Sophie with ongoing care and preparation, enabling her to take on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The clinical team has equipped her vessel with special features like a solar-powered fridge for her medication and waterproof nebulisers to ensure her safety at sea during the challenge.

Carole Bell, Director of Nursing and Quality Assurance at the NWJCC that commissions this service for patients all across Wales, said:  “This is a wonderful example of where the NWJCC collaborates across NHS Wales to make a real difference to patients.

“The service from the team at the CF Centre at Llandough has played a pivotal role in improving Sophie’s quality of life thanks to advances in pharmacology provided by the service, which in turn is enabling her to complete a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.

“Sophie's story highlights the transformative power of dedicated care and community support through the services that the NWJCC commissions not to mention the expertise of the excellent team there.  

"This is a truly inspirational story and reminds us of our purpose across the system”.