14/08/2026
Why I’m Running
My Dad was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis about two years ago. For most of that time it felt like something we knew about, rather than something we truly felt. This year, that changed.
On 12 July, Dad was admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection and COVID (yes, it’s still out there). His consultant explained that this was a “big hit” to someone with Dad’s condition, and that it would, without doubt, worsen the fibrosis. Dad spent five days in hospital and came home a little more breathless, but still himself, walking, talking, singing essentially still Dad.
Less than ten days later, on 24 July, he was readmitted with sepsis, pneumococcal pneumonia and multiple pulmonary emboli. I raced back to Ireland to be with Mum and Dad. Currently dad still in hospital with no set discharge date. We’ve been told his disease has progressed aggressively, that he now needs oxygen full time, and that we’re looking at months rather than years.
I live in the UK. I can’t be there every minute. So I’m doing the only thing I know how to do, I’m running.
These runs are how I’m processing this. They’re also how I’m fighting back, raising money for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, so I can support other families like mine, living this in real time.
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust is now proud charity partner to Bedeque Skin & Aesthetics, and everything we raise from here supports this cause
💚
