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Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) provides information and support for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis at a time when patients and families often feel scared and alone. The charity raises awareness of this little-known disease and campaigns on the issues that matter most to its community. APF also funds new research that the charity hopes will one day stop pulmonary fibrosis in its tracks.

鈥淧ulmonary fibrosis is a cruel and terminal disease. We estimate there are 70,000 people living with the disease in the UK. Lung fibrosis scars the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to get into the blood stream, leaving many fighting for every breath, severely fatigued and reliant on oxygen therapy. Many people living with the disease say there is a lack of information and support at diagnosis. Treatments are limited, and there is no cure.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is fighting for a better future. From telephone befriending and working with community-led support groups, to campaigning at government level and funding cutting-edge research, we are here for everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis. We exist to make sure nobody has to face this devastating disease alone, and to give us the best chance of finding a cure.

On the eve of our 10-year anniversary, we are delighted to be raising awareness of pulmonary fibrosis and our work through this 大象传媒 Lifeline Appeal. You can help us create a better future for people living with this disease. Please watch, share and donate, and you can help us change lives.鈥�

"I鈥檓 supporting this Lifeline Appeal for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis because I have seen first-hand the devastation this disease causes families.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a little-known disease, but it affects more people than many types of cancer. The symptoms are cruel and life-limiting, leaving many fighting for every breath. People living with the disease say it feels like they are trying to breathe through cling-film, and that crossing the room feels like running a marathon. Caring for someone who has pulmonary fibrosis can also be a terrifying experience, not knowing what the future might hold.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is here for everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis. The charity provides vital information and support, and funds crucial research that could help find new treatments and hopefully one day put a stop to pulmonary fibrosis. By making a donation today, you can help APF change lives."

When Shama was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis earlier this year, she felt like her world was collapsing. With little information about the disease, Shama struggled with her diagnosis and what it would mean for her and her family. She found herself worrying in bed at night, not wanting to burden her children with what she found out was a terminal diagnosis.

Shama explains how connecting to APF has changed her life. Through her local support group, Shama has built a support network and found a place she can talk to other people facing the same challenges.

Deepak and Naisha lost devoted wife and mother, Sheetal, to pulmonary fibrosis in 2020 when she was just 43 years old. Sheetal had managed to live a relatively normal life following her diagnosis in 2015, but her condition progressed suddenly in 2020 and she was fighting for breath at home. Sadly, Sheetal passed away in hospital, leaving behind her husband, Deepak and their 10 year old daughter, Naisha.

Deepak and Naisha are passionate about APF research because they don鈥檛 want other families to face what they went through in 2020. Father and daughter have raised over 拢16,000 for APF research, in the hope that new treatments and hopefully one day a cure to pulmonary fibrosis can be found.

Hear their story as they explain why APF funded research into pulmonary fibrosis is urgently needed now.

Tricia was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2012 and now finds herself struggling to breathe every single day. Tricia is reliant on oxygen therapy 24/7.

Tricia found it hard to speak to anyone about her daily struggle with pulmonary fibrosis 鈥� she didn鈥檛 want to worry her children and friends. When Tricia was put in touch with an APF telephone befriender, she says it changed her world. Tricia鈥檚 befriender has pulmonary fibrosis too, so understands the daily challenges of living with lung fibrosis. Tricia says, 鈥業 can talk to her about anything, and she gets it.鈥�

Listen to Tricia explain how, when she needed the support the most, her APF telephone befriender became a lifeline and a friend.