Photography student Erin Lawson was so inspired by her mother Carolyn’s journey with pulmonary hypertension that she decided to make it the subject of her university project.

The work aimed to explore the impact PH has had on their family, capturing the seriousness and the positives through the lens of a camera and the words of Carolyn and her loved ones.

Erin has kindly allowed us to reproduce part of the project here.

“I am really proud of what I have achieved. I think it’s helped me not only as a photographer telling someone’s story, but as a daughter too – reminding me how much my mum has been through and how strong we have all become.

My favourite image from the whole series is my mum and I holding hands, the opening image of the series. I’m normally behind the camera so I never physically see us together in an image. It is quite surreal to see our relationship in a physical form of a photograph, but I think that’s what impacts me more. This image, and the series as a whole, makes me reflect on my relationship with my mum and how close we have become in recent years – as well as the unspoken love we have as a mother and daughter.”

“Mum’s illness has impacted her ability to be spontaneous. There always needs to be a plan when she goes anywhere or does anything. We, as a family, have to take into account the frustrations of having a limiting illness, being aware of not just the physical strain on Mum’s body but her mental health too.

I do not think pulmonary hypertension has limited Mum’s happiness or ability to live a full life. I just think these expectations have been adjusted more to what Mum can actually do. PH has made our relationship stronger, especially in the last few years, and I now cherish the moments I have with her. I am so proud of my Mum and am proud to be her daughter.” Erin Lawson, Carolyn’s daughter

 “My lovely daughter. It must be very difficult to live with this condition and the restraints it puts on daily life. I have been and remain ready to help in any way but Carolyn’s determination to manage her life has meant that requests for help are few and far between.

I am very proud of her and the way she is coping; from the girl who was always squeamish to the woman making her own cassettes. She is remarkable and never fails to amaze me.” Margaret Ray, Carolyn’s mother

“Mum ensures that pulmonary hypertension does not limit her life in any way. It’s just resulted in some changes that we cope with as a family unit.

Even though it is a big thing, I feel as though it has brought us closer in a way. PH is just a normal part of our lives. Although I may not say it to Mum often, I love her very much and if anything her illness has strengthened our relationship.”James Lawson, Carolyn’s son

“Cas having pulmonary hypertension makes me think about how precious life and good health is; how we should make the most of every day, every adventure and everyone we love as we do not know what fate may hold for us in the future. 

 The frustrations of PH have had both positive and negative impacts on our relationship over the years since Cas was diagnosed. It can make it difficult to share experiences together. On the other hand, I think it has made our bond stronger as we try not to let it impact our lives too heavily. 

 Most importantly, PH doesn’t change the person deep down who I fell in love with and married 26 years ago.”Adrian Lawson, Carolyn’s husband

“I feel lucky to still be alive 15 years after diagnosis. I’m grateful that every time there’s been a deterioration in my health there’s been another treatment available for me to try. What works for some doesn’t for others. There are people diagnosed after I was who haven’t responded to the treatment as well and have sadly died.

Because pulmonary hypertension is so rare and patients often look well, most people don’t understand it, or what it’s like to live with the condition. Awareness is low – it’s not like cancer or diabetes or epilepsy. If you say ‘pulmonary hypertension’ people just think you have high blood pressure and dismiss it, but it’s much more serious than that. I don’t like to draw attention to my illness and hate the thought that when I say I can’t do something people think I’m being lazy. Tiredness seems to exacerbate the side effects but it’s hard not to over-do things when you don’t want to miss out on activities or feel like you’re ‘giving in’ to the PH.

I am not the same person my husband met and married. Our lives have definitely been changed by me having PH, but he has taken it in his stride and made the best of it for all of us. He is a good man. My illness has brought us closer together and made us realise that life is short and there to be lived.

I’m not going to let it beat me.”Carolyn Lawson