My Dad sadly died in 2019 after a lifetimes fight with asthma and multiple other lung conditions. 

However, the way we remember Dad is as a man of immeasurable tenacity and determination. Watching Dad go about anything in life was an education in perseverance, preparation, excellence and honesty. He never let any of it beat him, and was so determined to raise awareness and fundraise for the BLF (now known as Asthma + Lung UK) with our amazing Mum working alongside him for over 15 years.  He was particularly proud that he managed to keep his promise to commit his last two years to helping expand the BLF Breathe Easy groups in the city where he lived, working with the Leeds South & East Clinical Care Commissioning Group to create ten new groups in total. 

Dad spoke at events, fundraised, was active on committees, NHS workshops and took took time to personally talk to others with lung conditions, checking in on them, urging them to never give up, all whilst he was very poorly himself.  Dad never did give up, and we are incredibly proud of him and my Mum, who was his steadfast supporter and carer.  In light of everything he accomplished, with how unwell he was, Dad has inspired me to step up and do what I can to help this amazing cause.

The fact that BLF has now partnered with Asthma UK is meaningful as other family members also have asthma.

Reflecting on Dad’s life and his immense will power has renewed my own determination to do what I can to raise awareness and much needed funds for Asthma + Lung UK.

Every day must have felt like a marathon for Dad, so I want to run the best that I can over a number of events, culminating in the London marathon. All in memory of the truly determined man that he was, for the charity he so proudly supported and for all those people affected by lung disease. 

I am so lucky to be doing this with a good friend, Laura Macaulay,  who also lost her Dad to lung disease just one month after mine last year. We will be a fantastic support to each other during what is sure to be an emotional but also positive time in our lives as we run in memory of our Dad's. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.