‘SHE NEVER COMPLAINED AND SHE NEVER BLAMED ANYONE FOR HER CONDITION’
A HEARTBROKEN widower has spoken of losing his 36-year-old wife to cystic fibrosis shortly after she had a double lung transplant.
Kelly Lewis died on February 17 at University Hospital Llandough with her parents, brother and husband Christopher Lewis by her bedside.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.
Husband Christopher Lewis, a youth football coach, said: “We were together since school, I was 16 and she was 15, so I guess you could say we were childhood sweethearts, really.
“I knew that she had cystic fibrosis and knew there could be complications in the future, as we know that cystic fibrosis sufferers could fall ill at any time, as they’re more prone to infections.”
More than 400 people attended Kelly’s funeral on Thursday at Llwydcoed Crematorium, despite the severe weather conditions.
Christopher thanked the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council gritting teams and said he received a “reassuring” message from council leader Andrew Morgan that it would go ahead.
Christopher said that during her 20s Kelly only had to visit the hospital a few times a year, and had to wrap up warm during the winter, but led an otherwise normal life.
The condition causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.
According to the NHS, symptoms usually start in early childhood and the condition gradually gets worse over time.
Christopher, of Aberdare, said: “Kelly was always optimistic. Even if she was feeling down she would ask how you were first.
“She was like a superwoman. She never complained and she never blamed anyone for her condition.
“She just lived life to the full. We went on regular holidays and we brought children into the world.”
Although there is no cure for cystic fibrosis a number of treatments to ease the symptoms are available including, in severe cases, lung transplants.
In April 2017 Kelly had a double lung transplant after waiting on the list for two-and-a-half years.
Christopher said Kelly was struggling at the time as her health was in decline and she required oxygen 24 hours a day.
He added that she struggled to get around their home to do everyday tasks.
She had the transplant at Harefield Hospital in Middlesex but, Christopher said, it did not ease her condition. He said: “She was in hospital for a few months afterwards. She had a few infections and she never really had that energy she once had back after it.
“We are not bitter or anything about the decision, but you have got to be well to have a transplant.”
In January Christopher said Kelly was suffering from existing issues that couldn’t be overcome, as she also had type one diabetes.
He said: “She decided herself to stop her treatment. She said she could not go on any more.”
After the decision Kelly planned her own funeral and prepared her family.
Christopher said: “The children all had a chat with her about it.
“She prepared us all and told us she could not go on. She just didn’t have that oomph anymore.
“Kelly asked that everyone wear the colour purple to the funeral in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”
Christopher and Kelly had three children together, Kacey, 13, and twins Riley and Ella, 10.
Christopher said: “It was an amazing achievement with the condition to have twins born.
“We are eternally grateful that she brought children into the world.”
The family are now selling purple ribbons in the area to raise money for the Better Life Appeal, part of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which helps provide additional treatment for patients at the All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis centre.