I’m running the Manchester Half Marathon at the end of May for my step dad Andy. He’s had such a big impact on my life and has always been there for me, so being able to do this for him means a lot to me.

Andy is living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a terminal lung disease that causes permanent scarring of the lungs. Over time, that scarring makes it harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. It progressively worsens, leaving people increasingly breathless and exhausted. Things most of us don’t think twice about like walking up the stairs, carrying shopping, tying shoelaces, become incredibly difficult.

After serving in the Army and then building his own landscaping business, Andy has always been strong and constantly on the go. Seeing someone who’s lived such an active life now struggle for breath is heartbreaking. IPF doesn’t just affect the lungs, it changes everyday life completely.

I’m raising money for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, who fund vital research and support families facing this devastating disease.

If you’re able to donate or even just share this page, it would mean so much to me. Thank you for supporting something that’s very special to me!‍