Lung Cycle -Fighting Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Lung Cycle is a long-distance sponsored bicycle journey, to raise awareness and DK50.000 for the Danish charity Lungeforeningen and people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic, irreversible and ultimately fatal lung disease, which is claiming millions of lives a year worldwide. The term idiopathic is used because the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is still unknown. Pulmonary means lung and the word fibrosis means scar tissue. In IPF, the scar tissue builds up in the walls of the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli). The alveoli are important for the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the lungs and the bloodstream. Over time, the build-up of scar tissue around the alveoli, makes it harder for oxygen to pass from the lungs to the body where it is needed. On average, an individual with IPF has a life expectancy of 3-4 years.

Lungeforeningen aim is to raise awareness about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as communicate vital information about IPF to patients and their families. The main goal for this work is to support the patients with important information, guides and advice that will improve their everyday lives. It is important that patients are equipped with the right knowledge, therefore Lungeforeningen provides information about the disease and its symptoms.  Lungeforeningen also organise a network for fibrosis patients and their families in Denmark and have a dedicated group of health professionals who provide guidance by the phone to patients.
All of this information and more is available on their website www.lunge.dk/ipf

​The inspiration for this journey originates from my mother, Elizabeth, and her five year battle and premature death from IPF. During this period it became apparent that there was - and still is - a need for significant improvements in service provision and early patient diagnosis of IPF.  There is still a lack of government funds for IPF research and low awareness about a disease that currently has no cure, and is on the rise.


So, armed only with a few bags of high-grade coffee and plenty of pasta, I will set off Spring 2020 from Copenhagen on my Omnium Cargo bike, and journey through Europe to the tip of the Peloponnese in Greece, where I will scatter Elizabeth's ashes on her favourite beach and say my final farewell.


The DK50.000 will support Lungeforeningen and their work in raising awareness and spreading information to the public, the patient, and their families via the website, their network and counseling board.

To get this fundraiser moving I have pledged the first DK500.

If you can't help financially or have donated to another cause and want to do more, make some noise about this campaign - give it the thumbs up and share via Facebook or other social media.

Thank you for your support!