SAMANTHA Hillier is calling for more research into the deadly lung disease which took her father suddenly last year.

Ms Hillier, 40, of Chippenham, is raising awareness of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) for this year's IPF week which is running from October 5 to 11 with the theme #ICareAboutIPF.

Her father, Ian, was married with three children and was also a grandad when he was diagnosed with IPF last year.

Having previously been very physically active, walking five miles a day with his dog, he quickly struggled to even walk across the kitchen.

When diagnosed with IPF, Ian was just relieved that it wasn’t lung cancer, and was given no information about the seriousness of his condition but his health declined rapidly and he died just one month after his diagnosis.

Ms Hillier said: “This is an extremely cruel disease that forces you to see someone you love robbed of their ability to breathe.

"IPF acts so quickly. My dad’s condition deteriorated at such a speed that there was no real time to get our heads around what was happening. It’s almost as sudden as a heart attack or a car crash.

“We desperately need to see more awareness of this awful disease so that the next family affected has more time to understand what’s really going on. I hope no one else has to lose their dad in such a cruel way.”

IPF, a disease that causes a gradual scarring of the lungs, has been on the rise in the UK for decades, and kills more than 5,000 people a year but there is no known cause or cure.

The disease acts with often devastating speed, and barely half of people diagnosed with IPF are still alive three years later.

Ms Hillier will be joining others around the country in calling for more research and support for IPF patients and their families.

Activities include sharing stories and photos on social media, holding awareness stands, and taking part in fundraising challenges.

Ruth Sabella, British Lung Foundation’s IPF Manager, said: “As rates of IPF continue to rise, we need to see significant improvements in service provision and research into the disease.

"With the help of people like Samantha, the BLF is determined to raise awareness of these important issues to ensure that people affected by IPF get the help and support they need.”

To get involved, follow the week on Twitter with the hashtag #ICareAboutIPF, or texting ‘IPF’ to 70500 to donate £5 to help the British Lung Foundation.