From Mark's wife:

Mark my husband died from Pulmonary Fibrosis last year, sadly I had not heard of this dreadful disease until Mark was diagnosed with it 7 years ago. Within weeks of diagnosis he became increasingly ill and became more dependant on oxygen as his lungs ceased to function properly, he knew it was a terminal disease but typical of Mark he handled it with great dignity and courage.

As the years passed by he became more breathless and limited in his mobility. He ended up being on oxygen 24 hours a day and virtually housebound.

Mark was a man with a huge zest for life and to see that gradually ebb away, day by day, was devastating for me and the family. Everyone who knew him will always remember his wonderful sense of humour,he just lived to laugh, sadly in the end he could not  even laugh as it just took too much out of him.

I am desperate to raise the awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis by supporting the charity Breathing Matters. This charity helps to fund  University College Hospital London who are one of the leading  research establishments trying to find a cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis.

How can you help? I have assembled a team who intend to walk the South Downs Way which is a 100 miles long and will take us 6 gruelling days, believe me when I say gruelling! It is a tough one as we are busy training on the Downs every weekend in preparation for the walk on the 5th May .

WE NEED YOUR SPONSORSHIP TO HELP UCLH TO CONTINUE THEIR RESEARCH SO OTHERS DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER AS MARK DID.

Who are the team? Myself, Giordana Hulme his daughter,his elder brother PJ, two cousins Jeremy and Crispen,brother in law Harvey and good friend Matt.

The walk itself will start in Winchester and will be over 6 consecutive days ending in Eastbourne. We would welcome anyone that wants to join us on any of the legs

We will be staying at the Hotels listed below.We intend to set off from each Hotel at 0830 so if want to join us it is best to meet us at the Hotel Please note that on the Sunday we will be setting off from the KIng Alfred Statue in WInchester at 0900 not starting from hoteL.

For further information on the starting  points and where we will be staying, contact PJ.Email  peter.hulme2@btinternet.com

Please help if you can.

Thank you.

Sheila