I am taking on a 4 (+1?) day challenge to raise money for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, in memory our beautiful Mum and Nan who has been taken too soon by this debilitating chronic lung condition that there is no cure for.

The challenge I have set myself is a 106km bike ride around the perimeter of Loch Ness (which apparently isn't as flat as i would like it). Then over the following 3 days I will be walking the West Highland Way, which is a challenging 154km route up and over the rugged wild Scottish landscape between Milngavie and Fort William. I will be joining the route at 75km in, with just the last half to go. Finally if physically possible i will climb Ben Nevis.

My lungs will be extremely useful for this challenge.

Once diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis there is no knowing how long you have got. The condition can worsen suddenly or gradually over several years starving a person of oxygen.

At some point in her life my Mum was exposed to asbestoses, coal dust, damp conditions or certain types of toxic dust. What the exact cause or combination of all is not known. The years of her supporting her family as an office and school cleaner could be a link, or the years exposed to damp living conditions possibly also. Whatever it was, it was through no fault of her own.

As a family we are supporting research into a cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis and support for other families going through the same plight as our Mum and Nan has endured.

We hope you will help us to achieve our fundraising goal to help us make an impact for those diagnosed in the future.

Here's a bit about the charity that will help us do this....

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is a growing community of patients, families, researchers and healthcare professionals striving to find a cure for pulmonary fibrosis so that everyone affected by the disease has a better future. We provide personalised support to patient and families - and raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis through campaigning, fundraising and education. We are also committed to funding research to improve the quality of life for people living with pulmonary fibrosis today and tomorrow.