Michele’s Mission in Memory of Her Dad
By Local Women Magazine
When Portstewart-based dentist Michele King lost her beloved father to pulmonary fibrosis, she knew she had to do something in his honour. Now, alongside her family, Michele is preparing to take on a 10K run in York on 3rd August – not just as a tribute, but to raise vital funds for others living with this devastating condition.
“We were told Dad had three years,” Michele says. “He gave us eight. He fought with everything he had.”
Pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable lung disease that slowly robs people of their ability to breathe. Michele watched her father’s health decline – from shortness of breath to relentless tiredness and unexplained weight loss. Despite it all, his strength became a source of deep inspiration for Michele, her brother Paul, and their wider family.
“He was our inspiration,” she says. “So, when Paul challenged me to run 10K, I thought – I can’t even run to the next lamp post. But I had to try.”
With her father in mind, Michele began training, one step at a time. Every run has been fuelled by his memory – and the desire to do something positive in the face of such heartbreak. Her goal is simple: cross the finish line, even if she has to crawl.
Raising Hope for a Better Future
Today, Michele is passionate about supporting Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, a charity working hard to fund research, support families, and raise awareness so that others can recognise the early signs of the condition. Her message is clear:
“This is about more than just us,” she says. “It’s about everyone facing this diagnosis, and the people who love them. We want to raise as much as we can to fund research, support families, and bring a bit of hope.”
Known locally for her warm nature and her work at Portstewart Family Dental, Michele admits that the training hasn’t always been easy – but it’s her father’s memory that keeps her going.
“Every step I take is for Dad,” she says. “And for anyone else fighting for breath.”
You Can Help
Michele and her family are asking for support in their fundraising efforts. Donations to Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis help provide better treatments, support, and hope to those affected by this cruel disease.
“Let’s come together and breathe easier,” Michele says. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
