Hi Everyone,
On 27th August 2021, I landed back home into Dublin airport from San Francisco. My aunt Marcella and I were met by my mum, who was eager to get us on the final leg of our journey to Antrim Area Hospital. We had made the journey back, knowing our time with Granda would be perhaps limited and precious, but I had no idea coming off the plane that day just how precious that time was going to be.
Granda Wishey was diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) around 15years ago. COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs and in a recent article in the Belfast Telegraph on Feb 28th 2022 it was stated,
"According to Asthma + Lung UK, the death rate for respiratory disease in Northern Ireland is 139 per 100,000 of the population" and that " Respiratory conditions make up one of the top three killers in Northern Ireland, with one in five people diagnosed with a lung condition at some point in their lives".
A diagnosis of COPD is for life. It is a progressive disease and gradually gets worse over time. However, following Granda's diagnosis, he kept himself active and fit, initially riding a bicycle, but following a hip operation, he took to walking. He could be seen any day walking into town to buy his newspapers or around the local park where he loved to stop for a good chinwag with anyone he met. This was never so important as during Covid when he could still see people in a socially distanced manner.
As time progressed, the walks became more laborious as his condition deteriorated. However, not to be beaten, Granda started carrying a backpack that held and disguised his trusty 02 cylinders.
Having kept well throughout the Covid pandemic, Granda had increasing admissions to hospital through the summer of 2021 ultimately resulting in his final admission in August. On August 27th Granda passed away a little over an hour after we arrived at his bedside; thankfully, I got to say my goodbyes and am so thankful I made that journey home.
During his illness, Granda was visited by the Mid Ulster Community Respiratory Team. This team of professionals were a vital source of help and knowledge to Granda and indeed the whole family. In particular, Peter Tohill (senior respiratory physiotherapist), along with the team were always on hand to answer family queries and help with any concerns. Peter and his team cared for Granda with empathy, integrity and professionalism.
In order to say thank you for their continued support and kindness to Granda and my family at home, I will be participating this weekend (March 4th - 6th) in the David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge. I will be running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours (completing a total of 48 miles beginning 4pm Friday).
All the proceeds from my run will go towards Mid Ulster Community Respiratory Team. Any amount makes a difference, so please donate whatever you can! If you would like to follow my progress through the event, I will be running with my husband Rory, who will post updates on his Instagram @romar_nutrition.
Thank You!!
Alana xxx