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Shirley Ballas: Mum's COPD Battle Was Terrifying
22 Nov
Summary
- Shirley Ballas found her mother's lung disease diagnosis terrifying.
- COPD causes severe breathing difficulties and airway closure.
- Ballas witnessed her mother's frightening struggle to breathe.

Strictly Come Dancing's head judge, Shirley Ballas, has shared her harrowing experience witnessing her mother's battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ballas described the situation as "terrifying," revealing she was unaware of the debilitating lung disease until her mother, Audrey, was diagnosed in 2022.
Over the last three years, Ballas has observed her mother's escalating symptoms, including severe breathlessness and airway closures. She recounted the frightening moments of seeing Audrey unable to draw a full breath, highlighting the profound impact of COPD on daily life and the distress it causes to loved ones.
COPD, a condition estimated to affect over three million people in the UK, leads to significant breathing difficulties. Ballas's personal account underscores the severe and frightening reality of living with this progressive lung disease, emphasizing the fear and helplessness that can accompany watching a loved one struggle.



