2 minute read
In the news
from Emphasis Summer 2015
by phauk
Page for PH Hold the Front
When Anna Bowen was diagnosed with PH a year ago, like so many other people she had never heard of it. Now, thanks to her, a lot more people living in her community and beyond are that little bit more aware of the condition.
Anna, of Llandysul in Wales, contacted her local newspaper the Carmarthen Journal to tell them about the dramatic impact of her illness - and her family’s efforts to raise money for PHA UK and campaign for more awareness.
Anna, aged 38, said: “I just decided to phone the paper and the reporters were really interested in our story. We ended up with a front page headline piece and more inside too, including a guide to joining the organ donation register. They looked at the PHA UK website for research and did fantastic job.
“The story was also top of the newspaper’s website for two days so went national too. I also shared links to the coverage on Twitter and Facebook which got me in touch with friends of friends, answering questions and letting them know about the condition.
“I definitely felt famous for the day – and all for a good cause. I really wanted to get across the message that although we fight for every breath we are fighters. As a family we think positively and do everything we can to raise awareness and funds.”
Anna, a former childminder, is married to Delme with children Mark, aged 14, Lucy, aged four, and Harry, aged 23 months. She was diagnosed with PH at Hammersmith in September 2014 after suddenly finding she couldn’t run or tackle stairs without feeling out of breath. At the time she was training for a 10k race. Now the whole family is involved in races and hill climbs to raise money for PH.
ANNA’S HOODIES FOR SALE As part of Anna’s awareness raising campaign she has produced hoodies and polo shirts emblazoned with messages like ‘I’m a PH Fighter’ or ‘My Mum is a PH Fighter’ and ‘My Friend is a PH Fighter’ and even ‘I’m a PH nurse’. If you’d like to buy a hoodie for £25 (with zip) and £22 (over head) or a polo shirt for £18, please contact Anna on acbow13@hotmail.com Every hoodie makes a £1 donation to PHA UK. Thank you to everyone who raises awareness of PH through their local media. Please do share your stories with us on Facebook and Twitter.
