Championing Our Cause
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust is proud to have the support of our Patrons. Their involvement helps raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, promote the work of the charity and champion our mission to improve the lives of people affected by the condition.
Alain Roux
Patron
Chef Alain, world famous and celebrated chef, takes on the patronage in memory of his father, Michel Roux OBE, founder of world famous, The Waterside Inn, who died in March 2020 from Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The Roux family are well known as perhaps the most influential, dynamic, and charismatic family in the catering industry. Across five decades of hard work, culinary expertise combined with a passion for championing young chefs and waiters, the influence of the Roux family can be felt across the globe.
“Having witnessed my father suffer the disease, I care passionately about supporting the Trust’s efforts to try to help sufferers, their families and to improve treatments. It seems to be an illness that many people suffer but so many do not understand or know about it."
We are here to support all those affected by pulmonary fibrosis, whether you are a sufferer or have a loved one with pulmonary fibrosis.
Peter Bryce, Chair of the Trust said:
“We are so pleased to have a new internationally renowned Patron, who shares a passion and understanding for supporting those who have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The Trust has gone from strength to strength, supporting many patients and carers over 10 years. We look forward to a long relationship with Chef Alain, which will enable us to provide a better quality of life to even more patients suffering with this terrible disease.”
Michel Roux OBE
A Commemoration
March 2024 marks four years since the passing of one of the greatest and beloved chefs of his generation, French-born Michel Roux OBE. He was a giant of the hospitality industry who, with his brother Albert, revolutionised the British hospitality industry.
Nick Ashill
Patron
Nick Ashill was born in Pontypool, South Wales and spent his early years growing up in Bognor Regis, West Sussex. He is a Professor of Marketing at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is also an ultramarathon runner. In 2015, Nick lost his mum to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), which has no cure. His family encountered delayed diagnosis, confusion about symptoms, and limited treatment options. To honour his mum and raise awareness of PF, Nick made the decision to run 3400 miles across America from Los Angeles to New York. He had run Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert in 2014 (described by National Geographic as the toughest foot race on the planet) and was looking for a new challenge.
The experience of losing his mum reshaped Nick’s purpose: to use endurance running not as spectacle, but as a platform for advocacy, education, and action. Globally the disease affects 5 million people and a staggering 50% of all sufferers die within 3 years of diagnosis.
Follow Nick:
What is Nick’s next big idea and why is it important?
On September 5th, 2026, Nick will run the entire length of Britain from John O'Groats to Land’s End. The run will help increase awareness of PF and raise vital funds for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust. By completing the run, Nick will join ultrarunner William Goodge (British) who is the only other person to have run across America and Australia, and the length of Britain. William is in his early 30s; Nick will be 62 when he finishes.
