My inspiring, talented, beautiful and much loved daughter Lorna
Paterson died on the 8^th of May 2008. I wanted to do something special
to commemorate her life, and our loss, in this 10^th anniversary
year. I can’t run because of the high impact on a pre-existing foot
injury...but I can walk!!

So, on Sunday 6^th May 2018, I plan to walk from the Royal Brompton hospital in Kensington, where Lorna died, back home to Woking – which is very nearly a marathon and very definitely counts as ‘A Challenge’!

Lorna suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, which is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections
and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41.

Lorna was an incredibly inspiring person, battling with an
arduous daily regime of over 60 tablets, several nebulisers and chest physiotherapy, even when she was well. Latterly, she had to endure daily intravenous medication and feeding through a button in her stomach. Incredibly, Lorna continued to have an active and fulfilling life until shortly before she died, playing the flute and doing professional voiceovers for TV and radio. She helped to make a programme for BBC Science about Cystic Fibrosis in April 2008. You can see a clip of this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm1riM2NOx8

Lorna also played a moving flute solo at a concert in March
2008, just a few weeks before she died. This was an incredible achievement with around 30% lung function. You can see a clip of this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0bprsl-wws

What a star!

This is why I will be walking in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Any money raised will go towards research, the development of new
drugs, hospital and clinic support as well as support for families
affected. If you could make a donation, with Gift Aid where possible, I
would appreciate that very much.

The training walks are going well and when the going gets
tough, I only have to think of Lorna’s positivity and determination right to
the end and I get a new spring in my step.

Thank you.

Alison Paterson