Candace Fuca

My story for choosing Asthma and Lung UK

Hi everyone, I will be running the 2025 London marathon in aid of Asthma and Lung UK. Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. Asthma and Lung UK is the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. 

People living with lung conditions are often overlooked and often, their condition isn’t accurately diagnosed at an early stage - and even when they are, they are not given the care that they need.

Asthma and Lung Uk is a charity that I hold very close to my heart. In 2017, my Father in law sadly passed away due to the long term effects of COPD and emphysema at the age of 78. Brian lived with these conditions for a number of years and was an active, independent man, who absolutely LOVED his garden, for as long as he could. Eventually, it became too much and he became totally dependant on oxygen, even then he still LOVED visits from his children and grandchildren. Brayden was 4 years old when he lost his Papa, but he still remembers him, as do we and he will always be held fondly in our hearts. No one makes stew quite the same as he did!

In 2022, we sadly also lost my Mother in law to COPD. Christine was only 62 and she should have had years of her life ahead of her. However, due to a delay in diagnosis, this was sadly picked up in its later stages. Watching her deteriorate and lose her confidence to leave the house and accomplish daily tasks was utterly heartbreaking. Christine was a very independent, stubborn and STRONG lady, who would NEVER ask for help unless she absolutely had to. Despite these setbacks, she still made it to bingo as much as she could and had a fabulous circle of friends, and a loving family, who allowed her to make this happen and continued to visit her at home. She was adored by her children and grandchildren, who made her so very proud, every single day. Sadly, on the 8th of April 2022, it all became too much and Christine sadly passed away, leaving us all devastated. Brayden often talks about his Nanny Christine. Her fiery spirit lives on through the memories that we cherish so dearly and she will continue to be loved and missed. Her dolphin statue (one of many), which I broke, fixed and never told her about, sits on a shelf in my bedroom.

I also had the pleasure of knowing a very special lady, who was like a Grandmother to myself and Brayden. Her name was Marie. She lived to the grand age of 98 and boy, was she an inspiration! Marie suffered from many medical conditions throughout her life, including COPD, but nothing held her back and she lived the most incredible life. She traveled all around the world, often solo and retained her independence up until a month before she left us. She was a wonderful woman and we all say in her memory ‘be more Marie’.

Sadly, the effects of lung conditions and diseases continue to affect those that I love. My son Brayden is asthmatic and the bronchioles of his left lung are also damaged due to the effects of a delay in the diagnosis of pneumonia when he was 2 years old. Brayden now has a daily preventer inhaler and also a reliever, which we make sure we carry with us, especially when he is taking part in anything physically challenging. Brayden has mostly good days, fortunately for us. But as a child, it is sometimes hard for him to accept, when he is having a bad day and his symptoms flare up. Not to mention the sleepless nights and pain due to coughing and wheezing. As well as this, both my mum and my dad have been diagnosed with early COPD. 

Hopefully, after reading this, you can agree that this is an extremely worthy cause to donate to. A charity that I couldn’t be more proud to run 26.2 miles for in order to raise vital funds and awareness. I appreciate that times are hard for all of us, but even if you can spare £1 towards my target, I will be so very grateful and appreciative to you. Thank you 🫶🏽🖤