My dad was diagnosed with COPD  (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and emphysema 6 years ago, even with this diagnosis I  still thought he was invincible. I think he did too.

Since January 2019 he has been diagnosed with non-turbecolous mycobacterium abscessus. It’s taken over a year to diagnose due to symptoms being more or less identical to that of COPD. 

Small things like getting up the stairs, walking the short distance from the living room to kitchen and getting washed and ready can leave him breathless. Things we all take for granted. To see someone you love go from being so strong and independent to barely being able to get out of bed without having to stop to catch their breath is one of the most heart breaking things I’ve ever had to witness.

In the UK someone dies from lung disease every 5 minutes. 

I’m raising money for the British Lung Foundation to help fund research into lung disease and boost awareness for lung health. I’ll be putting my lungs to good use by running the Great North Run 2019 for those who can’t, so that other people don’t have to go through this. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.