My Father in Law Chris Stratford fought a long and brave battle against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and ultimately succumbed to the disease in December 2019.  Chris was a fit and healthy man without any health issues before his diagnosis, what followed was an 8 year battle and slow decline in his health despite being lucky enough to be chosen for a lung transplant which thankfully extended his life for a few more years.  I have seen first hand how debilitating this disease is and the effect it has on both the individual and the family of the patient.  Chris was a loving family man who had a fantastic career and built a wonderful life for himself and his family.  I am raising money for APF to help patients and families who find themselves in the same position and who need the same help and support.

Any and all donations are hugely appreciated, 100% of all donations will be going to APF, all costs associated with the trek will be funded by me.

As for the task at hand....In short my close friend Craig and I who I am doing this trek with and who is also fundraising for his own charity, fly out to Kathmandu on the 13th of October and from there we board a small turbo prop plane to Lukla (which is the most dangerous runway in the world!) from Lukla we will be doing a guided trek to Everest Base Camp stopping at various places of interest along the way and staying in the tea houses along the route.  The total round trip will be around 90 miles in 10 days on difficult up hill terrain and have the added complication of altitude which will probably be the most challenging part, at the highest point we reach 18,192 feet above sea level with the end goal being Everest Base Camp, the point where all summit expeditions begin.....that's as far as we will go!!

Mark 

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is a growing community of patients, families, researchers and healthcare professionals striving to find a cure for pulmonary fibrosis so that everyone affected by the disease has a better future. We provide personalised support to patient and families - and raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis through campaigning, fundraising and education. We are also committed to funding research to improve the quality of life for people living with pulmonary fibrosis today and tomorrow.