Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2024, Acquisition International | 21 Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust Charity of the Year 2024 – UK he Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust was founded in 2012 by patients who felt that they received little information and support following their own diagnosis. This frustration pushed these individuals to form an organisation to help and support others through the same process. Peter tells us, “The aim of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust is to provide personal support to people affected by Pulmonary Fibrosis, a very debilitating and life-limiting illness.” Having experienced the same daunting journey themselves, the trustees are on hand to offer emotional support to the community. Through various channels, including a platform designed specifically for the community, those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis can connect with a trustee to listen and swap stories of their journey to diagnosis and possible treatment plans. Having an understanding ear, especially one that shares similar experiences, can alleviate anxiety surrounding the diagnosis. Speaking on the commendable efforts the organisation goes to aid its community, Peter tells us, “We offer practical, emotional, and financial support where there is a need. We also raise awareness of the illness and in particular the challenges people face on a daily basis.” For those needing a break from the challenging times following their diagnosis, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust offers short breaks for sufferers and their families, where they can escape to a caravan on the picturesque coast of Great Yarmouth. Not only that, but the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust also offer support in the form of equipment funding. The organisation provides funding to suffers to help them regain their independence. In the past, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust has provided funding for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, stairlifts, and additional batteries for oxygen concentrators. Pulmonary Fibrosis is a life altering condition, in which scarring to the lungs causes difficulty in breathing. Collagen accumulates within the alveoli, delicate air sacs within the lung, making them stiffer and smaller. The thin walls of the alveoli thicken with the scarring, which hinders their ability to exchange oxygen. Furthermore, the scar tissue reduces the level of oxygen that enters the bloodstream from lungs. Ideally, oxygen levels in the body remain at 100% and dropping below 90% oxygen saturation can lead to hypoxemia or even death. While pulmonary fibrosis is uncurable, with the damage caused to the lungs irreparable, there are measures that can be taken to ease the symptoms. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust has been involved in research projects that affect how individuals can cope with the effects of their disease. One example of this is a project aimed at improving the pulmonary rehabilitation cause offered to those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a treatment programme of educational classes and supervised exercise sessions designed for people with long-term lung conditions. The classes teach patients how to look after their body and lungs following diagnosis, offers advice on managing their condition, and techniques to manage periods of breathlessness. Going forward, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust have highlighted areas of research that it believes should be explored further. The organisation would like to see additional research into how we can improve portable oxygen concentrators to enable people to live a more active and independent life. Additionally, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust believes that extra attention should be paid to improving how medical professionals monitor vital signs for those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis so that medics and the public are more aware of the various episodes that affect patients. With such a strong commitment to uplifting its community, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust has been rightfully recognised as the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust Charity of the Year 2024 – UK. We wish the organisation the best of luck in its endeavours to support those afflicted with pulmonary fibrosis. If you would like to learn more about pulmonary fibrosis or find out how you can support the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, visit the organisation’s website today. Contact: Peter Bryce Company: Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust Web Address: https://pulmonaryfibrosistrust.org/ Pulmonary Fibrosis is a devastating disease that changes the lives of countless people every day. Following diagnosis, life expectancy can be between three to five years, with an estimated 6,000 people dying from the disease each year in the UK. Many diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis are left feeling overwhelmed and under supported with their illness in the wake of their diagnosis. Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust is a nonprofit organisation founded to offer unwavering support to those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. As the organisation receives its title in the Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2024, we speak with Chairman Peter Bryce to learn more. T
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