Claire's Story and Why She Became a Regular Giver

"My dad, Stuart Hope, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in October of 2017 after a bout of pneumonia during which he was hospitalised. Prior to this he had some breathlessness on exertion but had put this down to the ageing process."

During the 4 years that her Dad suffered with his condition, Claire remembers that he visited many different specialists across several hospital trusts. As a family, and for her Dad in particular, they felt very under supported and alone. She recalls he would often say that there was no consistency in his care and that no one seemed to be able to help him or reassure him in any way.

As the disease progressed Claire says her Dad felt very vulnerable and frightened. She found the lack of resources and general support for what she calls 'this cruel and debilitating disease' astonishing.

"Dad passed away at the age of 78 in April of 2021. After his passing I found the charity APF and have since set up a monthly donation gift."

I wish that we had known about the charity whilst Dad was alive. I hope my contribution may help in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis and that in the future there may be more options and treatments for those who suffer with it

Although Claire found Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis after her Dad sadly passed away, she was keen to help others who faced similar challenges to those her family had experienced.

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Claire's ongoing support means APF can continue to provide vital information and support to patients and their families long into the future meaning people like her Dad needn't feel alone.

Joining the APF Giving Circle means you can help fund our telephone support line; community support; and ground-breaking research into pulmonary fibrosis. Giving as little as £5 per month can help us change lives. In just a few minutes you can set up a regular gift and in return we will keep in touch with occasional updates and share how you are helping now, and how you can continue to help in the future.

Set up your regular donation here

Together we are stronger

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