Early in life, 22-year-old footballer Drew was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a life-long, life limiting genetic condition that affects the lungs and other organs, making breathing more difficult and increasing the risk of infection.

As a child, Drew required a medical port to be fitted in her arm. Four months later, after being struck by a ball, she developed a clot in a major artery and was hospitalised. The incident had a profound impact on her confidence and ultimately led to her release from academy football. Just two months later, she received a further diagnosis of diabetes.

Despite these setbacks, Drew has continued to play football since the age of four, refusing to let serious health challenges define her career. While long periods in hospital were once a regular part of her life, the introduction of Kaftrio, a triple-combination therapy for cystic fibrosis, has made her condition easier to manage, allowing her to train more consistently and regain momentum on the pitch.

‘When I was 13, I went to England camps and was in academies, and I never dreamed I’d reach that level. I was working really hard fitness-wise to keep up with everyone else, and was doing extra training.’

After spending the summer rebuilding her strength and fitness, Drew suffered her first bout of tonsillitis in August, which quickly developed into pneumonia. Since then, she has experienced tonsillitis eight times and is now awaiting a tonsillectomy.

In October, just as her confidence had returned, Drew sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral meniscus. Aware of the experiences of friends who had faced similar injuries, she feared that pursuing surgery through the NHS could leave her sidelined for up to two years due to lengthy waiting times and recovery, an outcome she felt she could not afford.

For Drew, who lives with cystic fibrosis and diabetes, regular exercise is not optional. It plays a vital role in maintaining lung function and blood sugar control, while also providing essential support for her mental health.

‘My biggest fear in life was tearing my ACL which sounds silly as someone with cystic fibrosis, but I don’t know who I am without my exercise.’

After her first consultation, Drew quickly realised that private surgery was beyond her financial reach. Determined to continue playing, she took the daunting step of launching a fundraiser to cover the £10,000 cost. This was a significant move for Drew, who usually keeps her cystic fibrosis private. Encouraged by the support of many, including former England captain Jill Scott, with whom she had stayed in contact after attending her youth camps, Drew shared her story and was deeply moved by the outpouring of donations and messages of encouragement.

Unfortunately, Drew’s situation reflects a reality for many lower-league players, who often face enormous financial pressures. Without personal funds to cover surgery costs, they risk missing years of training and matches, highlighting the challenges athletes face in balancing their health and their careers.

‘Cystic fibrosis has held me back so much in life and now I am 22, I really just want to start living instead of surviving.’

Lower-league athletes often face limited access to high-quality physiotherapy, specialised coaching, and medical staff, all crucial for injury prevention and recovery. While some injury-prevention programs exist, they are generally implemented only at the professional level, leaving players like Drew with inadequate support. Poor pitch quality also increases the risk of ACL injuries, as uneven surfaces can cause players to twist or get stuck during sudden movements. Additionally, training programs are often adapted from men’s regimens, failing to fully account for the specific biomechanical and physiological needs of female athletes.

Equally important to Drew as returning to the pitch is raising awareness about the impact of football on both physical and mental health for people with cystic fibrosis. For many affected, sports can provide a vital social outlet, as traditional social activities may be too challenging due to illness. Football has been essential for Drew, helping her cope with demanding medical treatments and supporting her overall well-being.

You can help Drew get back to the sport she loves and relies on for her health. Her surgery is scheduled for 1 February, and she is raising funds to cover the £10,000 cost, with 60% already reached on her GoFundMe. Every contribution brings her closer to returning to the pitch and continuing her journey.

‘I would like this fundraiser to not only help me but also raise awareness for the struggles that those with cystic fibrosis have to go through.’