What is cystic fibrosis? Condition explained as CBBC star Chelsie Whibley dies age 29 after lengthy battle

The star was best known for appearing in CBBC programmes like Dani’s House and Sadie J
The CBBC stars husband, Glyn, announced her passing over the weekend (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)The CBBC stars husband, Glyn, announced her passing over the weekend (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)
The CBBC stars husband, Glyn, announced her passing over the weekend (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)

Former CBBC star Chelsie Whibley has passed away at the age of 29, following a lengthy battle with cystic fibrosis.

Whibley had been told by doctors that she wouldn’t survive past 16 due to a suppressed immune system and lung capacity of 27%, however she defied doctors expectations by 13 years.

Who was Chelsie Whibley?

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Whibley was an English actress, best known as a former CBBC star who appeared on shows like Dani’s House and Sadie J.

As well as appearing in CBBC programmes, Whibley also performed in the Starlight Foundation UK Christmas Pantomime production of Cinderella: The Shoe Must Go On! alongside Charlie Cox (Stardust, Daredevil), Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) and Kate Mara (House of Cards, The Martian), when Whibley was 16.

However, the budding star was forced to put her acting career on hold due to her cystic fibrosis.

The aspiring actress was forced to put her performing dreams on hold due to her cystic fibrosis (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)The aspiring actress was forced to put her performing dreams on hold due to her cystic fibrosis (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)
The aspiring actress was forced to put her performing dreams on hold due to her cystic fibrosis (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)

In 2020, Whibley had spoken to the Sun about the Covid-19 lockdown and the restrictions that prevented her from seeing her family.

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She said: “For me, every day is so precious that spending them under lockdown is like having them stolen.

“It feels like even more time is being taken away from me. It’s just heartbreaking beyond words.

“I know that seeing my friends and family is too dangerous and it could be enough to tip my body over the edge. But on the other hand, I don’t know how much time I have and it breaks me knowing I can’t see them.”

When did she die?

Whibley’s death was announced by her husband, Glyn, in a statement posted to social media, which said that she had passed on Saturday afternoon (2 April).

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Glyn wrote: “This morning Chelsie took a rapid turn for the worse and became unresponsive. She was rushed to Southampton General Hospital.

Glyn described Chelsie as ‘an inspiration’ (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)Glyn described Chelsie as ‘an inspiration’ (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)
Glyn described Chelsie as ‘an inspiration’ (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)

“It is with deepest regret that I have to inform everyone that our dearest beautiful Chelsie sadly passed away this afternoon at 2:45pm.”

He continued: “It was very quick and she was not in any pain. I know you will all want to send your condolences but we ask to please limit it to comments below in this very distressing time.”

On Sunday (3 April), Glyn posted a tribute to his wife on Facebook, in which he wrote: “I cannot put into words the heartbreak I am now feeling without you here. Waking up without you by my side just feels so wrong and I’m waiting to realise that this is all just a terrible dream… but sadly I know it is not.

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“From the time we met I knew this day would come but I knew you were the one I wanted to spend my life with… and it has been an incredible life… one that I would not change for anything in the world.”

He described Whibley as “an inspiration” and added “I wish there had been a different route to removing all the suffering you were going through and that I didn’t have to lose you”.

Glyn posted a tribute to his late wife on social media (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)Glyn posted a tribute to his late wife on social media (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)
Glyn posted a tribute to his late wife on social media (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)

Glyn ended the post by writing: “I will look after your mum and help her through this devastating time along with the rest of your family… but at long last you can finally rest in peace without fear and discomfort.

“I love you so much baby and will never forget you!! I can’t believe I’m actually writing all this but I know you’re still with me in spirit looking after me!!

“Until we meet again my beautiful wife… I love you.”

What is cystic fibrosis?

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Cystic fibrosis, as defined by the NHS, is “an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system” which causes lung infections and issues digesting food.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis usually present early in childhood, with the condition growing worse over time, with the lungs and digestive system becoming increasingly more damaged.

While there are treatments to help manage the issues caused by cystic fibrosis, there is no cure and those with the condition unfortunately have their life expectancy shortened.

The NHS says that “over time, the lungs may stop working properly” and that “mucus also clogs the pancreas (the organ that helps with digestion), which stops enzymes reaching food in the cut and helping with digestion”. This means that those with cystic fibrosis don’t absorb nutrients from food properly.

Unfortunately there is no cure for cystic fibrosis (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)Unfortunately there is no cure for cystic fibrosis (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)
Unfortunately there is no cure for cystic fibrosis (Photo: Chelsie Whibley / SWNS)

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:

  • Recurring chest infections
  • Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and damage to the airways
  • Difficulty putting on weight and growing
  • Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
  • Diarrhoea or constipation 
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As a result of cystic fibrosis, people with the condition may also develop a number of related issues, such as diabetes, weakened bones and liver problems.

In the UK, all newborn babies are tested for cystic fibrosis. If the test suggests that a baby may have cystic fibrosis, additional tests will be carried out, which includes:

  • A sweat test, to measure the amount of salt in sweat, which will be abnormally high in someone with cystic fibrosis
  • A genetic test, where a sample of blood or saliva is checked for the faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis

These tests can also be used to diagnose cystic fibrosis in older children and adults who didn’t have the newborn test.

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