Oli Lewington’s Full Blog On Eastenders’ Jade Cystic Fibrosis Story

I’ve lost count of the number of times someone from the cystic fibrosis (CF) community has told the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, “You need to get a character with CF on EastEnders.” And countless numbers of times I or my colleagues have patiently explained that it’s not quite as simple as phoning the BBC and saying: “Put someone with CF on.”

But when we were contacted by a researcher for initial discussions around a CF storyline, you’d better believe we were ready for them!

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, filling them with a thick, sticky mucus which causes frequent chest infections that slowly damage them over a number of years until they become all but useless.

It affects just over 10,000 people in the UK, although more than 2.5 million people in the UK carry the faulty gene that causes CF, most without knowing it. Cystic fibrosis is a death sentence, and we’re under no illusions that it is widely understood. We also know that we’re on the cusp of great things: the very real possibility of allowing people with CF to enjoy a life that’s no longer limited by their condition either in quality or length.

The introduction of Jade, who appeared at the end of last Friday’s episode wearing a nebuliser mask, will be a huge factor in helping to raise awareness for the condition.

From the first meeting with the producers, writers and researchers from the EastEnders team, we’ve been hugely impressed by their commitment to getting this story right. We were keen to highlight that many people with CF who work hard to keep themselves healthy may appear and act completely “normal” to others. It’s only the behind-the-scenes lives, behind closed doors, that are swamped with tablets, formulas, nebulisers and physiotherapy.

It can be hard to portray CF on TV; the needs of drama often outweigh rigorous accuracy of the medical side, but EastEnders have been totally committed to getting it right. They’ve asked for support and guidance and they’ve listened to our feedback and made appropriate changes where necessary and have been hugely supportive of the opportunity they know this presents for us.

We’re delighted that an often unseen condition like cystic fibrosis is finally getting the national recognition it deserves, and we’re hugely grateful to the EastEnders team for helping to make it happen.

You can contact The Cystic Fibrosis Trust helpline on 0300 373 1000 or visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk