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Early this year I had a life changing experience. I had a lung disease which nearly killed me. I feel so fortunate to be alive today. There is nothing like wanting to be alive when you are faced with uncertainty.

I was fortunate to have an amazing GP, Dr Mirza, at The Mounts Medical Center Northampton, who without his intuitive skills and good medical knowledge I may not be here today.

I also had excellent care on Beckett Ward at Northampton General Hospital before being transferred to Ward 26 at Glenfields Hospital, Leicester where the care and treatment was to a very high standard.

During this time I met some amazing people. The staff in both hospitals were outstanding. They were all a constant source of support and knew when a swift kick up the backside was needed to get me through some very difficult parts of my treatment. Not to mention what a big wimp I was before and definitely after my surgery.

I also met some inspirational patients on my journey through both hospitals. Some of whom were not going to have the fortunate prognosis that I was blessed. Despite this they carried on regardless and never showed any signs of giving up despite their pain or fears of the future.

I feel that now I am almost recovered fully, just a few twinges and as Dr Rathinam, my surgeon says "you have a little bit of clutter on the bottom", referring to my lung I will have you know.

I want to give something back. I have been so fortunate and feel I owe the advances in thoracic medicine a big thank you. I also want to pay tribute to all those I met along the way that were less fortunate than I was and want to raise money so that those who follow us can have even better treatments and positive prognosises.

I intend to walk 9 miles up to the top of Snowdonia. Those that know me well will confirm that that will be a massive achievement for me as I am not the fittest of people and definitely not an outdoorsy kind of person.

When I reach the top I will take a big breath of clean and pure air into my lungs and take a minute to think about all of the people that have inspired me to do this.

I hope that I can raise money to make a difference for the British Lung Foundation.

Any donation from £1 to the most generous amounts will be greatly received.

Thank you in advance

Shaun