A FATHER in need of a double lung transplant is hosting an event to help support those in a similar position and to raise awareness of a chronic condition.
Andy Davies, of Rhuddlan, who grew up in St Asaph and Rhyl, was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis last year. The 43-year-old is said to be the youngest person with the condition at Glan Clwyd Hospital by about 17 years.
The former soldier in the British Army (Adjutant Generals Corps) 99-09, who served in Afghanistan, Cyprys, Norway, Falklands, Bavaria, Germany and Chivenor (UK) and has been attached to 59 Independent Command Squadron, The Queens Royal Lancers, United Nations, 1 Royal Anglian Infantry Regiment and The Royal Logistics Corps, said his "world collapsed" when he was first diagnosed.
"At first I started planning my own funeral, writing down all my password and things to remember as a family. I contemplated suicide daily, probably hourly at one stage, but I stayed here for my children and partner," Andy said.
"Standing on Rhyl promenade staring out to sea thinking if I were to swim out there is no way with my lung condition that I would get back, dark low moods took over my life, I cried at night when the children were in bed.
"I started to slowly pull myself up with the aid of my family support, a mental health nurse and little white tablets called sertraline. Looking at what I could do and not what I can't. The more I looked into the future (wouldn't see the kids get married, wouldn't see them mature as adults with their own families) the more I would feel robbed. I started to then set small goals, I will see the children finish secondary school, I will raise awareness of this horrible disease that hides from the public eye.
"I'm now in a very different place, some battles are hard but I'm staying reasonably positive and I'm in an almost accepting stage of my journey.
"I can't stop the scarring progressing but it won't stop me making memories and being a bit cheeky along the way."
Andy, who lives with his partner Debbie and is father two children, Tommy, 11, and Elen, 13, and is stepfather to daughter Bethan, 22, has received "amazing" support from Woody's Lodge and the Royal British Legion. Both are also supporting his 'Create a Stir' event for 'Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis' to raise awareness of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. This will take place on Saturday, September 9 in the community centre Rhuddlan between 11am and 2pm.
Andy said: "The event is superb, I'm expecting a really good turnout. The mayor and his wife are attending, I have a lady called Wendy from Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis coming. I have the best prizes I've seen on a local raffle. There will be a sweet stall, tombola, kids tombola, name the bear, cakes stall and non alcoholic drinks."
Andy takes anti-fibrotic medication for his pulmonary fibrosis.
"At present we aren't seeing any real signs that it's slowing down the progression of the scarring in the lungs," Andy said.
"If the tablets work they can add one-to-two years to life expectancy."
Andy added that the possibility of a transplant in the future is "slim".
"It is slim but possible," he said.
"I'm being assessed in January 2024 and if I make it onto the list for a double lung transplant the chance of having it is approximately three per cent."
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Andy believes he had symptoms for three or four years prior to being diagnosed. These included a persistent cough and tiredness.
"I went to GP on two/three occasions and was sent for chest x-rays but pulmonary fibrosis doesn't show up unless CT."
When Andy was diagnosed, on June 30 2022, the family were told to "make memories".
Andy said the support of his family, seeing his children smile and their sense of humour has helped him on this journey.
"Also my supporting partner who is just so selfless," he said.
"Fly fishing has been part of my journey. I seem to loose myself, just me verse the fish, and nothing else matters in that two hour session.
"I'm willing to shout about this condition from the highest rooftops. Not enough is known about this devastating terminal disease.
"Those in a similar position can call me or join my North Wales Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. Let's fight this together."
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