Torbay man continues wife’s mission as lung disease campaign launches

A new national campaign is raising awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal lung disease affecting more than 70,000 people across the UK — including dozens in South Devon.

The charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis has launched Every Breath Counts this September, highlighting the human stories behind the condition, which has an average survival rate of just three to five years.

Despite being more common and more deadly than many cancers, pulmonary fibrosis remains little known. Symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue are often overlooked, and surveys show a third of patients wait more than a year for a clear diagnosis, delaying treatment and support.

One Torbay resident knows these challenges first-hand. Peter Farrell's wife, Jane, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in early 2023 and died in late 2024.

Peter said: “My wife, Jane, was diagnosed with it in early 2023 and died in late 2024. Following her diagnosis, she did all she could to foster awareness about the disease despite her deteriorating health.

"She took part in several pieces of research to learn more about the deadly disease, volunteered for drug trials, and started a support group for local patients with help from Torbay Hospital.”

He continues to run the group in her memory, offering support to other families affected by the illness.

The Every Breath Counts campaign is calling for faster diagnosis, better care and support, and greater investment in research towards an eventual cure.

Details about the local support group can be obtained by contacting Peter at petane@outlook.com