Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am trying to raise money for Alpha-1 UK Support Group in memory of my Dad, who had the Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Dad was diagnosed with having Emphysema, five years later we then discovered that he was also Alpha-1 deficient. We had no idea what this was and were only advised this meant he had no protection in his lungs or liver as he was deficient in this AAT gene. Dad was hoping to go on the transplant list as he had been having tests at Harefield and was due to go back one more time but he caught a chest infection and was admitted to hospital where he caught pneumonia. Having alpha-1, he had no protection in his lungs and due to this severe exacerbation, this resulted in him being taken away from us.

When Dad was diagnosed 7 years ago, there was not much information given about AAT,  apart from advice that we had to also be checked for this as it is hereditary.  The condition was never discussed again throughout Dad's regular check ups at the hospital. Maybe Dad would have had a better chance to fight the infection if at the time of diagnosis of AAT, he had been given more information on it and maybe a possibility of support or treatment that could have possibly helped.

I believe that it is very important to continue to research into this and hopefully there is a treatment one day to help.

The Alpha-1 UK Support Group is a non profit organisation founded in 1997 by those diagnosed with the genetic condition Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency dedicated to help, advise and support fellow sufferers, their families, carers and friends

Mission Statement

• To provide support and education for patients, families, carers and friends who are affected directly or indirectly by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

• To grow a social network for patients, by providing discussion groups focusing on how better to cope with their condition, aiming towards improving quality of life.

• To advance education, understanding and awareness of the condition, in particular among medical professionals, including information relating to genetic implications, treatment, and lifestyle choices.

• To support research and campaign for better access to treatment for Alpha-1 patients.

http://www.alpha1.org.uk/

So please dig deep and donate now.