My father-in-law, John Doyle, was diagnosed with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in 1996, this condition pre disposed him to Lung disease. Realising there was a lack of support for people with A1AD and a lack of awareness about the condition, John became the co-founder of an internet support group for Alpha 1 in 1997 which grew into the important Charity it is today. In 2000 John underwent a double lung transplant, as his health had deteriorated so badly. The operation was a success but did not go entirely smoothly, but his positive attitude throughout the operation and recovery process was a huge inspiration to many others with A1AD waiting for and undergoing transplant surgery. He enjoyed the next 10 years of his life with great vigour and positivity, he was tireless in his dedication towards helping other Alphas and raising awareness of Alpha 1 to the wider community and always dreamt that one day the group would have enough money to make a real difference to the lives of other Alphas.
Having tackled one illness, tragically John was diagnosed with another - Motor Neurone Disease in the spring of 2010. John continued to work with Alpha 1 despite his failing health and still managed to organise the Annual meeting held in Plymouth later that year. He was determined not to give up his work with the charity, and worked with dedication right until the very end.
John passed away from Motor Neurone Disease in January 2011, just one week after his 67th birthday. He was, characteristically, positive and full of warmth and love for his family and friends, still managing to make others around him laugh as much as he always had, right until the very end.
I am running this half-marathon as I promised John I would. He was a truly wonderful man; a devoted husband, loving father and embraced me not just as a son-in-law, but as a son, with all his heart. I was blessed to have know him and I hope to raise awareness and funds for the Charity he worked so hard to support and who, in return, supported him.
We know he is shining down on us all.
