Dee was diagnosed with gout at the age of 40. She initially took preventative medication but now self-manages the condition, through a healthy lifestyle. She takes anti-inflammatories if necessary.

Natalie works for her husband who is self-employed, and also works voluntarily as a parent contact for her local branch of CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association). Natalie's 13 year old son was born with unilateral cleft lip and palate. He had had his cleft lip diagnosed at a routine 20-week scan.

Faisil, age 33, was diagnosed with asthma at age 3. He is British Pakistani, single and works as a civil servant. Faisil's childhood and teenage years were difficult because having the condition sometimes set him apart from the other boys, particularly because he was unable to participate in sports. As an adult he has become more accepting of the condition and is able to self -manage his symptoms for most of the time, but there are aspects of having asthma that continue to impact negatively on his life.