Walking is something I do every day without giving it much thought;  late for work I’ll walk a bit faster, raining I’ll speed up so I don’t get soaked and I love to go out for a walk in the countryside. This is something I fully take for granted. But for some people walking is more of a challenge…

In 2010 my Mum was diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)  - in  Mum’s case only 33% of her lungs work. This makes day to day tasks very difficult including simple things like climbing the stairs. If Mum and I go for a walk we often have to stop so she can catch her breath.  If the weather is too cold Mum finds breathing even harder and if the weather is humid she really struggles, often staying indoors rather than venturing outside.

When I asked Mum what it feels like she said to take a deep breath in, then without breathing out, take another breath, then another and that’s how tight her lungs feel – I found that frightening.

There is no cure for COPD you can only try to prevent it from getting worse. My Mum goes to the gym three times a week. She’s so positive and tries hard not to let her diagnosis bring her down.

I plan to walk 100k throughout the month of June to raise money for the British Lung Foundation.  I’d really love there to be more awareness made about COPD. I wish I could help Mum feel better but by raising money for the British Lung Foundation I hope I can make a difference and help aid research or support to help people like her.

Thank you for taking the time to read and if you’d like to find out more about COPD you can do here https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/copd/what-is-it any money donated will be so gratefully received. Thank you xxxx