My Dad, Jay Dowle, sadly passed away in October 2019 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He lived bravely with COPD for 10 years despite it taking an enormous toll on his quality of life.

Dad was a patient representative for British Lung Foundation (BLF). He was an ardent supporter of the Taskforce for Lung Health which was set up by BLF in order to improve lung health in England. 

Dad was instrumental to both the production of a new five year plan and the work that the group has carried out in trying to implement the plan's recommendations for the benefit of patients. This plan will drive real changes in how the NHS can prevent, diagnose and treat lung disease.

In his role as a Taskforce member, and through his contributions to the diagnosis and pulmonary rehabilitation working groups, Dad relentlessly championed the rights of people living with lung disease to ensure that they get the best quality care and support that they deserve. 

I am truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to run the London Marathon on behalf of BLF. I will be running in my Dad's memory and I know that the money I raise will make a significant contribution to helping people like Dad who suffer with lung conditions.

"Lung disease is under-recognised and largely invisible. Seldom are the people who are living with lung conditions and being treated for it listened to. I hope the Taskforce's recommendations will enable people like me to be heard" Jay Dowle, patient representative, January 2018-October 2019.