Her determination means she is now running and cycling again
Harriet Davidson ran the Bristol 10k in an incredible time(Image: Harriet Davidson (supplied))
A Bristol woman diagnosed with a rare and incurable lung disease at just 24 is “living life to the full” despite her condition.
Harriet Davidson achieved a huge challenge last weekend when she completed the 10km course at the Great Bristol Run – a feat that might have seemed impossible just a few years ago, when she had to undergo major lung surgery.
In April 2019, Harriet experienced a sudden lung collapse without any known cause, while exercising in the gym. She spent two weeks in hospital but it was not until a CT scan that doctors discovered hundreds of cysts on her lungs.
She was subsequently diagnosed with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare disease that affects the lungs and kidneys and primarily impacts women. Now aged 30, she trained for months to complete the 10km race, raising awareness and funds for the charity that has supported her throughout her health battle.
She said: “This disease has truly changed my life.
“I was told my lung function will decline rapidly, and that I may have a short life and might even require a lung transplant. Fast forward six years, I have had the best fitness I may have ever had.
“I have been training so hard for the Bristol 10km, taking up running, something I thought I would never enjoy. Playing football again, cycling, and living life to the full.”
Alongside managing her own health challenges, Harriet has become a prominent advocate for others living with LAM. She credits the charity LAM Action for providing access to the medication Rapamycin, which she says could potentially save her life. She has shared her story internationally, including speaking in Chicago to raise awareness of the disease.
Harriet Davidson, who has lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), pictured in hospital in 2019(Image: Harriet Davidson (supplied))
Prior to diagnosis Harriet had undergone treatment for a benign kidney tumour in 2013, but the rare disease was not identified at that time. The condition is thought to affect only around 350 women in the UK.
Harriet, who completed the race in 1:05:08, has raised more than £6,000 for LAM Action. She was joined at the start line by around 50 friends, family members and supporters on Sunday, May 11.
The run was particularly meaningful, not only because of Harriet’s personal battle with illness but also because it marked the largest group to ever run on behalf of LAM Action. All 50 participants wore branded T-shirts to highlight the cause.
Harriet added: “Without their support, I would never have been offered the medication Rapamycin, which could potentially save my life. I will forever be grateful for the contributions of scientists, clinicians and charities who have allowed me to be in the position that I am now.”
LAM Action works to support women and families affected by the condition and advocates for better treatment options and research.
Harriet said: “I endeavour to support other women like me, especially for those who haven’t been as lucky as me, who have to have a lung transplant, and their families, and to provide the continued support for patients coming to terms with an incurable disease.”