A YOUNG woman living with a lifelong genetic condition has defied the odds by taking on extreme physical challenges.

Sophie Holmes, 26, from Leigh, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was four months old. It is where the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus.

Doctors told her parents she would not live pass her teens, but Ms Holmes’ determination to live a strong, healthy life has helped her overcome medical expectations.

She said: “I decided to become a personal trainer five years ago. When I was 19, I was in the hospital and it dawned on me that I should create a positive environment for me to help my health. So I decided to become a trainer.

“Training saved my health. I’ve had a lot of people throughout my life saying I will not live past my thirties, or you can’t do this or you can’t do that.”

Ms Holmes did not let the negativity affect her. Although her condition will not go away, she believes a strong mind will help you achieve anything - even if it seems impossible.

She added: “There’s so many things for me to do. So in a way I consider myself lucky because it really helped me appreciate what I have and to try to make the most out of it.”

Two years ago, Ms Holmes took part in the Charity Challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. She said: “I was more excited than terrified when I was climbing the mountain. I became the second person with cystic fibrosis to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.”

In July this year, she completed the 100km Race to the Stones, where she finished the race in 23 hours.

Ms Holmes believed having a positive outlook in life is more beneficial for patients than just taking medication. She said: “There are a few people out there with cystic fibrosis who are doing a lot of training like me and it’s helping them with their health.”

Ms Holmes added it is important to surround yourself with the right people because they can help you achieve, and learn more about yourself.

She said: “My message is to never give up, because mindset is everything.

“You can achieve regardless of how long it takes, because every small step is the right step along the way.”

Sophie Holmes is supported by Jeans for Genes. To support head to: https://www.jeansforgenesday.org/