Each year, Open College Network West Midlands staff nominate a charity to fund raise for. This year we are delighted to announce that Charity is Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a term that describes the formation of scar tissue within the lungs. It usually occurs around the small air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.  The alveoli are important for the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the lungs and the bloodstream. Over time, the scar tissue builds up around the alveoli, making it harder for oxygen to pass from the lungs to the body where it is needed.

IPF usually affects people over the age of 50 years and is slightly more common in men than women.

In the UK, there are approximately 5000 new cases of IPF each year. The number of cases of IPF is increasing not only in the UK, but also in the USA and Europe.  We do not understand why this is happening.

Due to the fact there is still little known about this disease, we saw the
importance of raising awareness and fundraising as much as we can.

Steph and Karl (with a little help from some friends) are running Tough Mudder – one of the hardest and muddiest obstacle courses out in the UK!

#TeamSteph

#TeamKarl