A former amateur triathlete is calling for more research after he was struck down by a devastating and little-known disease.
Ron Flewett, from Weston Hills, was a healthy and active 53-year-old when he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which has left him unable to take part in the athletic events he used to enjoy.
Since his devastating diagnosis Ron, now 54, has become a relentless campaigner and fundraiser for the British Lung Foundation and IPF.
He has met ministers in Westminster and Brussels on behalf of the BLF and this year, despite his illness, took part in the Triath-A-Ron, which included a half marathon walk, 2.1km swim and the 100-mile RideLondon.
Ron was unable to complete RideLondon due to bouts of cramp caused by low oxygen levels in his bloodstream due to his illness.
IPF is a disease that causes a gradual scarring of the lungs, has been on the rise in the UK for decades, and now kills more than 5,000 people a year – more than conditions such as leukaemia.
However, awareness remains low, and there is no known cause or cure.
As a result, the disease acts with often-devastating speed: barely half of people diagnosed with IPF are still alive three years later.
Speaking during IPF Week, Ron said: “When I was diagnosed last year I was only 53, had never smoked and had always been a healthy and active man.
“My diagnosis came as a complete shock, I’d been looking forward to enjoying my retirement in a few years’ time but now my life has been flipped on its head.
“I was devastated not to be able to finish RideLondon this year as it really bought it home how quickly this disease can affect you in a short period.
“Thankfully the BLF has been there for me since the beginning and by working closely with them I have been involved in helping them raise vital awareness and funds for IPF.”
After hearing of Ron’s plight and his determination to fight and raise awareness of IPF, Spalding and East Elloe Butchers’ Association has decided to dedicate its annual ball to raising funds for the British Lung Foundation.
The event will be at the South Holland Centre on November 7, from 7pm.
Katie Lyall, British Lung Foundation’s IPF manager, said: “Ron is an inspiration to us all and we are incredibly grateful to him for his fantastic support in raising funds and awareness of IPF.
“It’s thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of people like Ron that we are able to continue our vital work into IPF, researching new treatments and supporting people living the disease across the UK.”
