As part of a team of great clinicians and scientists from The University of Manchester/Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, I will be attempting to cycle from Manchester to the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Amsterdam, where we will be joined by other leaders in the field of respiratory research to present and discuss ground-breaking research.

I am extremely grateful that I am able to enjoy a fulfilled life of fell running, wild swimming and (the occasional) mountain biking, whilst others are much less fortunate. So while I am able to enjoy these freedoms I hope to also use them to raise awareness and funds for those who can’t.

For the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a research fellow at The University of Manchester, dedicating my career to understanding and improving treatment for people living with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

My work involves understanding the effects of infections and pollution on COPD and identifying treatment targets to help develop them into real, usable therapies – the kind that don’t just exist in a lab, but make a real difference in the lives of patients.

What excites me most about research is seeing discoveries move from an idea on paper to a treatment that helps someone with a respiratory condition to breathe easier, stay active longer, and enjoy more quality time with their loved ones.

We are fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK. They are the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound we are able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs. Just £24 could support a researcher to carry out an hour of lung health research. We would be very grateful for any donations you could make!