Jill Jeffery
Ambassador Coordinator
I first became aware of Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2014 when an old friend was diagnosed, and through him have gained some knowledge of the disease and of the help and support needed. My aim as Ambassador Coordinator for the Trust is to assist the Ambassadors in working together to develop greater support for people when they receive their diagnosis, especially in the early weeks and months, and sharing ideas for fund raising for the Trust.
Ben Drake
Ambassador
Just three years after diagnosis, I sadly lost my dad, Barry, to IPF at only 67 years old. In his strength and will to fight this dreadful disease, he has left myself and our family so incredibly proud of his determination to help others after his passing through donating his body to medical research. I am honoured to be an Ambassador for the PF Trust and to continue to raise awareness in his memory.
Su Hickman
Ambassador
My name is Su and I am a Nursing Associate in Oxford and currently waiting for my degree to come through. I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust. I first got involved with the Trust because I was raising awareness and money to help highlight the nature of Pulmonary Fibrosis. This was due to my Father in Law Ray passing away from IPF in 2016. Currently, I help create the “Minimes “ who are small clay figures of a person. I send them out to key workers and anyone else who would like them, with donations going to the Trust. Orders are continuing thanks to a BBC interview about the Trust and the Minimes which has helped dramatically with my fundraising. Together, we can make a difference in supporting and helping people with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Sarah Jones
Ambassador
My father was diagnosed with IPF in December 2012 after being misdiagnosed for over a year . Since Dad’s death, we have made it our legacy to him to help raise awareness, as well as fundraising . We reach out to all those affected by pulmonary fibrosis, we do not want anyone going through what we did alone . We started the hashtag #ipffamily , #pffamily because we believe that all those affected by pulmonary fibrosis are a family and we are in this together.
Kenny McDonald
Ambassador
Hi everyone, my name is Kenny McDonald. I lost my wife to pulmonary fibrosis when she was only 32 years of age. At the time I didn’t know what this disease was and so I’m making it my mission and determination to raise awareness and funds if I can. I have made so many new friends through the PF Trust and some wonderful friends on the Facebook forum as well. Our little boy Jacob is the mascot for the PF Trust for which I’m so proud for him to be. We look forward to making new friends and doing whatever we can for the PF Trust and all of you.
Alex Rastin
Ambassador
I lost my Mum to IPF in February 2019. Her diagnosis was just 8 months before after she had been misdiagnosed for 6 months. I had never heard of IPF and I was shocked to find out how serious the condition was and that there was no treatment. PFT provided practical support for my Mum in the shape of a mobility scooter and a longer lasting battery for her oxygen concentrator which enabled her to regain some confidence and independence. In addition, they also offered emotional support to both my Mum and I. When my Mum passed away, I spent the rest of 2019 raising awareness of the condition in my community along with awareness of the PFT. It is soo important that people are aware of this condition, so that they can flag it with healthcare professionals and maybe to bring about an earlier diagnosis. That is my hope.
The Trust were truly brilliant and I can’t thank them enough for the support they gave to me and my Mum. I want to help them in their work; raising awareness of this life limiting condition and providing support to those affected.
Jobie Travers
Ambassador
Hi, my name is Jobie Travers, a patient, diagnosed just over three years ago. I am honoured to be asked to be an Ambassador for the PF Trust. I have seen first-hand the effects of this disease and have lost many dear friends to the illness. I’m passionate about people getting the support and advice they need, and to try and make sure no-one falls through the net.