“Life throws you curveballs, it’s what you do with them that matters.”

When Fiona Copeland first heard that both her sons had been diagnosed with a rare lung condition, her mind jumped straight to wheelchairs and limitations. Instead, her fight reshaped the way Britain approaches rare diseases. 

Now, as she accepted an honorary doctorate from The Open University, her name joins the ranks of celebrated figures such as Sir David Attenborough and King Charles III, a recognition of her lasting impact.