Carnforth woman completes ‘brutal’ 170-mile bike ride in memory of her mum

Wendy Jones, 59, tackled the Way of the Roses coast-to-coast route, starting in Morecambe and finishing three days later in Bridlington.

She took on the challenge with her partner Mark for a cause close to her heart.

Wendy lost her mum to pulmonary fibrosis in 2021 and now works for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by the condition.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious lung condition in which scarring makes breathing increasingly difficult.

Up to 150,000 people in the UK are living with pulmonary fibrosis.

“It was about getting people talking about pulmonary fibrosis,” says Wendy, who also set up the Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. “A lot of people can’t even say pulmonary fibrosis, let alone understand it.

“There needs to be more awareness and understanding of this life-limiting disease, which leads to increasing breathlessness and fatigue but has no cure.

“The people who have donated are old school friends, people from my church, the local volunteer service… I’m amazed how far it has reached. It shows that one person can reach a lot of people. And those conversations are still ongoing.

"Funds raised will help support people affected by this devastating condition in the Morecambe Bay area.

“I remain inspired and in awe of pulmonary fibrosis patients and carers. The ride was brutal at times but what I did was nothing compared to what they have to battle. I wanted to use my breath for those who can’t.”

There was a particularly special welcome waiting at the finish line in Bridlington.

John, who lives with pulmonary fibrosis, and his carer Pauline had extended their holiday in the area by two days so they could be there to see Wendy complete the ride.

“He was there on his mobility scooter with his oxygen tank on,” says Wendy. “He had come just to see me finish a bike ride. The pulmonary fibrosis community is just remarkable.”

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis chief executive Daniel Saxton said: “Wendy’s determination to turn something so personal into action for other people affected by pulmonary fibrosis is incredibly powerful.

“What really stands out is how one person taking action can start so many conversations. Wendy has reached old friends, people in her church and her local community, helping more people understand a condition that is still too often overlooked.

“We want everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis to be able to get the support and care they need, while we continue pushing for better treatments and ultimately a cure.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Wendy, and to everyone who has supported her along the way.”

This September, during Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is running its Take Action for PF campaign, encouraging people across the UK to take practical action to support people affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

To find out more about pulmonary fibrosis and how to take action for people affected by the condition during September, visit https://takeactionforpf.co.uk