Derg sisters raising funds for pulmonary fibrosis charity

TWO sisters from Castlederg whose father passed away from Pulmonary Fibrosis in March 2019 have become new charity ambassadors and are hosting two fundraising events.

Shauna Lynch McKay and her sister Lucia Lynch Reid organised two events – a dance at the Fir Trees Hotel last Friday at 8pm and then a truck run next month – all in memory of their late father Sean Lynch.

The Lynch sisters revealed that during their father’s treatment and even after his death, they were unaware of the Pulmonary Fibrosis NI’s existence, due to it being only small at the time and also because it was based east of the Bann.

However, when they discovered the charity they set about trying to generate as much awareness as possible with both Lucia and Sharon becoming ambassadors.

Shauna told the Chronicle, “We first heard about Pulmonary Fibrosis NI after our daddy passed away.

“While he was going through treatment in Omagh Hospital and Foyle Hospice who were both excellent, the charity was based at Antrim Hospital, the main facility for respiratory illnesses in the North.

“They weren’t as active west of the Bann; as soon as we heard about the charity and the brilliant work they do supporting people and families of people with the condition me, and my sister both became ambassadors.”

Over 1,200 people live with Pulmonary Fibrosis in the North.

The disease scars tissue in the lungs over time, eventually make it hard for oxygen to get into the blood.

Low oxygen levels (and the stiff scar tissue itself) can cause a sufferer to feel short of breath, particularly when walking and exercising.

Pulmonary fibrosis isn’t just one disease. It is a family of more than 200 different lung diseases that all look very much alike.

Shauna Lynch added, “Pulmonary Fibrosis NI provides support for patients, their families and carers to improve the quality of life of sufferers in Northern Ireland.

“At the minute there is no cure for this horrible disease, so we, the charity in partnership with Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis UK are enabling researchers to find a cure for the condition.”

To raise extra funds wristbands will be on sale at both events with all the money going towards Pulmonary Fibrosis NI. You can also purchase these by contacting Shauna on her personal Facebook.