Record-breaking weightlifter inspires others with cystic fibrosis

Very little is known amongst the general public about cystic fibrosis. It’s a genetic condition which mostly affects the lungs.

A build-up of sticky mucus causes complications, which can lead to the lungs stopping working properly.

When Josh Llewellyn-Jones was born, his parents should have been celebrating the birth of their little boy.

Instead, they were dealing with the devastating news from doctors that he wouldn’t live beyond the age of 10.

As medical advances increased, so did that life expectancy.

Josh, from Cardiff, is now 31. And has let nothing stand in his way.

Josh has just completed a world record - lifting a million kilos in just 24 hours. Impressive for anyone, let alone someone with such a serious illness.

He believes it’s his commitment to sport and exercise which has kept him alive.

Because of a high-risk of cross-infection, people with the disease can’t meet in the same room.

It means it can be difficult to share worries and concerns. It is something that Josh found frustrating growing up.

Social media has been a huge force for good in connecting people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to meet.

Tonight, Josh meets one of his cystic fibrosis “warriors” - 7-year-old Nancy Thomas.

Nancy does gymnastics 3 times a week and looks to Josh as an inspiration.

• Find out how they met and what they talked about in tonight’s Wales This Week: Battle To Survive, tonight at 8pm, ITV Cymru Wales.