Andy, a former soldier in the British Army, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in 2022. At age 43, the father of three is hoping for a double lung transplant. Despite his devastating diagnosis Andy’s made it his mission to support others living with PF.
This September, Andy kicked off PF month by hosting a Create a Stir fundraiser and launching a PF support group in North Wales.
When I received my diagnosis my world collapsed and dark low moods took over my life. I’d seen my father sadly lose his life to IPF. With support, I slowly began pull myself up and started to look at what I can do and not what I can't
Andy started to set positive goals to drive him forward: ‘I will see the children finish Secondary School’... ‘I will raise awareness of this horrible disease that hides from the public eye’.
Andy says “I can't stop the scarring progressing but it won't stop me making memories and being a bit cheeky along the way.”
Fly fishing has been part of Andy’s journey. He says “I can lose myself - just me vs fish and nothing else matters in that two hour session.”
Seeing his children smile and their sense of humour has helped Andy on his journey. His partner Debbie is hugely supportive.
Andy’s dedicating his life to helping others living with pulmonary fibrosis. He says “I’m wiling to shout about this condition from the highest rooftops. Not enough is known about this devastating terminal disease”.