Rachel’s campaign for British Lung Foundation

Do you want to join me in making a
difference? I'm raising money in aid of
British Lung Foundation and every
donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that
means so much to me.

More information about British Lung
Foundation: We're the only UK charity
looking after the nation's lungs. We offer hope, help and a voice. Our research finds new treatments and cures. We help
people who struggle to breathe to take
control of their lives. And together, we're campaigning for better lung health.

My name is Rachel McConnell and I am
hoping to raise funds for the British Lung Foundation in memory of my Fiancé Paul Beesley.  After a very long and difficult
battle over the past 4 years, Paul sadly
lost his fight against interstitial Lung
disease and sarcoidosis on 15.05.20.

There is no doubt that Paul was a truly
inspirational person, he had a wide and
varied career although I’m sure his
legacy will be his singing.  He had an
amazingly powerful voice but the soul
and passion to sing so many different
types of songs although it must be said,
his charismatic, cartwheeling stage
persona was a direct contrast to the
beautiful, tender man he was behind
closed doors! Paul was a loyal partner, a
reliable colleague, a trustworthy friend
as well as  a fantastic father and
stepfather.

Paul had a complicated medical history
including cancer, autoimmune
haemolytic anaemia and a very complex
lung disorder.  Despite all of his problems he approached life with the most
amazing attitude.  His positivity and
drive to fight back was astounding.  He
was so supportive to many other people and would happily give up his own time
to support others at any time.  Those
who were lucky enough to know Paul all speak highly of both his
accomplishments, and his dedication to
be supportive and caring to everyone
who he met.  His wide smile, kind eyes
and infectious laugh ensured that people always warmed to him.

lung disease is so cruel.  It effects every
aspect of your life, stealing your body’s
basic functions and slowly deprives you
of everything that you love.  You can’t
walk, climb stairs, go out without oxygen,exercise, eat large meals or enjoy normal life.  It stole Pauls career, his enjoyment
of exercise,  limited every area of his
physical activity and eventually took his
life.

Lung diseases are very complex, difficult to diagnose and even harder to cure.  
Paul‘s only hope was a transplant, but
sadly this did not come in time.  End of
life care in this area is very hard to
apply as the illness  is known to have
exasperations which are hard to monitor and asses, each time they occur you lose another part of your health.

Lungs are vital for all of us!  We all
deserve to breath and live healthy lives.
Please help me to raise funds for this
amazing foundation who offered us
support and advice when we needed it
the most. Thank you for reading all of
this.... lets keep Paul’s determination 
alive by achieving his fundraising goal! 

 Thank you for your support!