Last year I didn’t know what IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) was, it was something I had never heard anyone speak of, never read a publication or seen any reference on TV or radio. 

IPF is a progressive, scarring lung disease that is incurable. The middle and lower parts of the lungs tend to be affected first. As IPF progresses, the lungs slowly become much stiffer and develop a “honeycomb” appearance that can be seen on a CT scan. This scaring results in the inability to pass oxygen to where it’s needed. 

It came as a shock when my mother Anne was diagnosed at 56 years old, as for most people with IPF no apparent reason was given as to why she had contracted this disease, many suggestions were proposed but there was no evidence. This can simply happen to anyone and unlike other diseases there is nothing you can alter in your lifestyle to limit or reduce your risk of contracting IPF. 

There is no cure for IPF, treatment is limited and pioneering, ultimately the only variable with IPF is time, this is different for everyone but the average life expectancy is 3-5 years as detailed on the NHS website that said since joining forums and speaking to other with IPF there are some who thankfully exceed this average.

Unlike many other diseases, research for IPF is incredibly poorly funded, I believe largely due to the lack of awareness. IPF kills more people each year in UK than Leukaemia and breast cancer! 

I want to raise awareness and funds to help all of those people fighting IPF, I hope that many more will join me and we can collectively make a difference, we need to develop better treatments, life extension medications and ultimately find a cure! 

With the help of my family and best friends I am planning a selection of activities and events, we plan to hold at least 4 fundraising events this year including;

A sponsored walk from Bangor to Holywood (coastal route)

Hike up Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain, Slieve Donard.

A charity football match

A live music event 

I shall update this page as soon as I have more details but in the meantime if you would like to donate, all funds go directly to the charity Action Pulmonary Fibrosis so please feel free to make a donation.

If anyone would like to help organise or participate in any of the events please reach out and let’s make it happen! 

Thanks for reading and thank you so much in advance for anyone who helps by sharing this page, raising awareness or making a donation!

Paul 

Click the link below to watch a short video of the first fundraising event.
https://youtu.be/y7QFU-5FrGc

#cureipf