Claire Thomas
Claire & Ron's Triath-A-Ron 2015
Fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Ron and I are raising money for the British Lung Foundation. In April 2014 Ron was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. It is a terminal condition with average life expectancy of 3 years from diagnosis. In the UK 5000 people are diagnosed every year and 50% of these will die in the first 12 months.
For the non-medical amongst us idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a type of disease that affects the air sacs of the lung. In people with IPF scar tissue builds up in the lungs making them thick and hard and makes the lungs less able to take on oxygen.
Initially it's like being constantly short of breath, made worse by even the slightest exertion. For example, being out of breath just from walking up the stairs... no running up, just normal walking. Medication can be used to slow the process, but this has only a 30% chance of success. There is no known cure. Eventually oxygen is required 24/7, and potentially a full lung transplant. However an 'exacerbation' - caused by something as simple as a common cold - can cause rapid deterioration and death within a few weeks, even in a relatively early stage diagnosis.
Ron is determined to raise the profile of this awful disease, and has represented the British Lung Foundation in the Houses of Commons and the Houses of Parliament, meeting with MEP's and British MP's. Fundraising donations will be shared between the British Lung Foundation, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and Papworth Hospital where Ron is receiving treatment.
To show what can be achieved in the face of a devastating illness, Ron wanted to do a challenge to raise much needed funds to help find a cure. An initial desire to do an Ironman was headed off at the pass, and we settled on a three legged Triathalon.
We will start with a half marathon distance walk on Friday 8th May. Ending at Cambourne where the support group Ron is a member of meets each month. We hope to be joined by other members of the group for some of the walk.
This will be followed by our epic swim. 2.1km up stream at dawn on Sunday 28th June, in the Henley Classic.
Our final, and undoubtedly the most daunting challenge will be to complete the Ride London 100 for the BLF.
This will be a huge, huge challenge for Ron, and will be the icing on our Triath-A-Ron sized adventure. Please, please give generously. This is a cause close to our hearts. Ron's partner Maxine will be supporting us the whole of the way, as will many others.
Thank you, thank you, thank you xxx