My mum, Jess, died from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in July 2015, three years from diagnosis.

Idiopathic means a disease which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.  IPF causes the lungs to become scarred making breathing and speaking increasingly difficult.  This is accompanied by a staggering weight loss which in turn leads to a complete lack of energy.  There is no treatment and no cure. 

Shortly after diagnosis in 2012 my mum climbed a 400 metre hill in Straiton, one of her favourite places in SW Scotland. Before she died, she got up a small set of stairs at home in three stages with oxygen.

Whilst my mum had the highest regard for her consultant, at the time of her illness she was angry that hardly any research seemed to have been put in to tacking IPF and palliative care was non-existent. She felt alone except for the help of her family. My father, sister and I had nowhere to turn for advice or support.  Overall it was an isolating and traumatic time for us all.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a growing charity that has spent the last decade addressing these very issues.  I can't stress enough the difference made on so many levels - a community offering support for patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals.  This charity is significantly improving care and raising awareness.

My mum was a kind, caring, intelligent, funny and inquisitive, inspiring woman who tried to see the best in everyone.  Her illness and death was the saddest thing I have experienced.  I think about her everyday and will be thinking of her when running this amazing marathon in my home city.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is a growing community of patients, families, researchers and healthcare professionals striving to find a cure for pulmonary fibrosis so that everyone affected by the disease has a better future. We provide personalised support to patient and families - and raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis through campaigning, fundraising and education. We are also committed to funding research to improve the quality of life for people living with pulmonary fibrosis today and tomorrow.