What do you do when you are lying in a hospital bed with bleeding lungs? You rest up, right? Not for local Cystic Fibrosis battler, Bradley Dryburgh who planned a marathon – the 42forCF.

Interview Taylah Cutting

Just two years after his first 42forCF run, Bradley is celebrating the anniversary by going bigger and better and running an ultra-marathon on Monday 12 December. The ultra-marathon starts at Bald Hill, through to the Northern Suburbs, around the University and the Botanic Gardens, then finishing up at North Gong Beach.

At just three weeks old Bradley Dryburgh was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). A disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system, and without the right treatment of medication, it can be life threatening.

At nine years old, Bradley was diagnosed with liver disease, then at 13 years old, diabetes, and 16 years old Esophageal Varices. It was not until he was 18 years old his lungs started to test his body resulting in a severe lung infection. Despite everything that was supposed to hold him back, Bradley has always been optimistic and wears his diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis as a badge of honor, allowing him to achieve great things and inspire others within the Cystic Fibrosis community and beyond, with no intention of stopping anytime soon.

How did you deal with Cystic Fibrosis as a child?

Luckily, I was born into the best family. My parents Darren and Dianne went to extreme lengths to ensure I had a head start on my diagnosis with extra physio sessions to ensure clear lungs and high-quality food to prevent malnutrition, as the body’s ability to maintain and breakdown nutrients is impaired due to CF.

In spite of everything that was expected to hold me back, we found a way to overcome the constant difficult challenges. I had to build significant strength and develop a level of resilience that is not common in kids and teenagers. Regardless of everything that was wrong on paper, I was fitter, faster and stronger than anyone my age and became a state champion sprinter. Along with my parents, my younger sister Shania is the ultimate sign of strength. I am determined to be there for others in the CF community, the same Shania has and always will be there for me.

How do you view your CF diagnosis?

It’s one of my biggest blessings and my greatest teacher. I have learnt to appreciate all the little things in life and realise that nothing comes without hard work. It’s like a game of poker – you can never pick the hand you are dealt but you can pick how you use it. If you fold early, you never see how things could turn out compared to if you watch the cards fall and I am confident that the last card to hit the table makes the hand worthwhile. Therefore, give it all you’ve got and put all your chips in the middle.

What inspired you to start the 42forCF?

In 2020, I was very career driven and disregarded the importance of my health, and I ended up in hospital with a severe lung infection. As I laid in a hospital bed with bleeding lungs, I set myself a task to run a marathon on the 12th of December 2020. I reconsidered my mindset and realised motivation was not what I needed; it was discipline. Therefore, I got a trainer.

With all the tools and correct guidance, I could tackle the training and get fit to achieve the goal of running 42km. Training for the 42forCF was lifechanging. Once the physical side of things was underway, I teamed up with five other people at CF Australia to organise the event. Now two years later, CF Australia has raised $105,000 for research development, and advocacy of lifechanging and saving drugs.

Why did you choose to do an ultra-marathon this year?

The first 42forCF was a real struggle. I reached 21km and was in a lot of pain and thought ‘how am I supposed to do the second half?’ Unfortunately, I was unable to participate in 42forCF the following year due to Achilles Tendonitis, so I just cheered from the sideline. Earlier this year, I was put onto a new drug which was lifechanging – I have never felt more in control of my health and it allowed me to run the Melbourne Marathon in October this year.

The Melbourne Marathon was the first one I felt like I had conquered, reaching a new personal best and never hitting a mental wall. It was the first time I felt like I performed not just survived, unlike my previous marathons. I wanted to push myself and an ultra-marathon before the end of 2022 is the perfect way to do so.

What do you do in preparation for a marathon?

I never miss a run unless I am in hospital. I run four days a week with a long run on Sunday and a track session on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. As well as gym 2-3 days a week. Training has become part of my routine and is something I enjoys as I can move my body and be social whilst doing so.

Are there plans to take 42forCF beyond Wollongong?

The team and I at CF Australia have looked at taking it elsewhere but we love the local track and community. The locals of Wollongong are extremely committed to this cause and if there ever is a 42forCF out of area it would have to be in addition to Wollongong as the sense of community is too strong. Wollongong has been apart of 42forCF from the start and the cheerfulness and sense of community is only going to grow.

What are the opportunities that have come from your CF diagnosis?

Definitely my podcast called ‘A Lot to Talk About’. I have been able to share my experiences through powerful conversations that uplift and inspire others, and to connect with incredible people. From the podcast, I had the opportunity to be on Sunrise, as well as being a guest on other podcasts. No matter the size of the platform, I am grateful for any chance to influence positive change. It only takes one person on the other side of the interview or television broadcast to hear my story and feel impacted to make changes in their own life.

Check out Bradley’s podcast ‘A Lot To Talk About’