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Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean

Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean

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 In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sophie Pierce, a 32-year-old social worker from Pembrokeshire, West Wales, who made history in March 2025 as the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean. Diagnosed at just 3 months old, Sophie has lived with the challenges of a genetic condition that affects her lungs and digestive system and once carried a life expectancy of under 30 years. But Sophie’s story is not defined by limitation—it's a bold testament to resilience, courage, and the power of hope. From working in fostering services to hiking the Welsh coast with her dogs, swimming in cold water, and sleeping in her campervan—Sophie has never shied away from living life on her terms. In this episode, she opens up about the life-changing impact of the Kaftrio drug trial, how she overcame mental health struggles, and what it truly meant to embrace life beyond the horizon by rowing across the Atlantic. She shares the highs and lows of the row: the months of preparation, team dynamics, magical moments at sea, and how it feels to return to "normal life" after an extraordinary adventure. Sophie's message is powerful and universal—you are capable of so much more than you think. If you're looking for inspiration, perspective, and an honest exploration of living—and thriving—with a life-limiting condition, this episode is not to be missed. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Sophie32 years oldLiving in Pembrokeshire, West Wales Working as a social worker in fostering serviceLiving with a genetic health condition - Cystic Fibrosis (CF)March 2025 - becoming the first person with CF to row an oceanWhat is CFBeing born with it and getting diagnosed at 3 months old Having a shorter lifespan How CF affects her lungs and digestive system Living with reduced lung function Her younger years and how she was treated Why exercise and being out in the fresh air is actively encouragedNot liking exercise as a childGrowing up knowing she had CF and why it was normalBeing empowered with CF and how her parents encouraged herHer mum reminding her to stay as well as she could for as long as she could, so she could benefit from treatments in the future. Learning about her shorter life expectancy and managing those feelings Adopting a positive attitude - being determined to live her life and not letting CF hold her back Wanting to make the most of her time Understanding that time is precious Not needing a pension, savings or need to put down roots The help and support available to help manage the mental and emotional challengesExperiencing panic attacks while her health was declining Working with a psychologist Using tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Feeling frightened of letting the big feelings of sadness inFeeling so sad about living with CF The drug trial - 5 years ago Taking the Kaftrio drug The challenges of winter for CF patients ‘The Purge’ - coughing for 24 hrsHow her life and lungs has changed Trustee for CF Trust Being asked to row an ocean Forming a crew of 4Stumbling blocks and being told no - by the World’s Toughest RowAtlantic Dash Securing the finances and managing the stress of getting to the start lineHer biggest fear and worrying about staying well enough to do the row Getting out on to the ocean.Having electrical issues with the boat Name of the boat - The Spirit of Bluestone Magical moments on the Atlantic Ocean Day 46 coming to the end of the row Rowing schedule and needing to get extra sleep during the night The challenges of team dynamicsFinding their roles within the groupBeing the social secretary and bringing fun to the boatThe biggest lesson from rowing the oceanYou can do so much more than you think you can Being supported by the right people around youDealing with the adventure bluesHow life in weird after rowing an oceanBeing in a really exciting placeFuture challenges?!Words of advice from the CF perspective Learning to life with CFHow to connect with SophieYou are capable of so much more than you think you areLearn to reframe the negative voices in your head Social Media Instagram @sophiefpierce @cruisingfree2025
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