My dad, Christy Brown, was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in October 2011, he was 59 years old. He sadly passed away on 17th March 2012 not long after his 60th birthday.

12 years on, there are so many people living and suffering with this awful disease without a lot of support. Pulmonary Fibrosis NI are providing much needed support to families across NI enabling them to connect with others who know and understand what it is like to love and support someone who has pulmonary fibrosis.

This year, I am completing Run Rome The Marathon, which takes place on 17th March, 12 years to the day that my dad passed away. Rome is also a special place for my mum and late dad - its the place that they spent their honeymoon.

In my dad's memory I have decided to raise much needed funds for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI to enable them with the ongoing provision of Puffin Lodge.

Puffin Lodge is a respite facility that has been purchased through fundraising and donations from many people from all around Northern Ireland. It is hoped that many sufferers and their families will enjoy a break on the beautiful Antrim Coast. The Directors of the charity are pleased that this facility is in place and only ask users to pay the cleaning fee after use; there is no charge other than that. They need to continue to raise money to help with the ongoing maintenance, replacement and fees to keep the facility running which is approximately £5,000 each year.

Everyone in Northern Ireland suffering from this terrible disease deserves some respite and Pulmonary Fibrosis NI are the only one providing this service. Ongoing donations will ensure that at least 30 families will get a break each year.