1 September 2026
Patient Robert George
A Wolverhampton patient is raising awareness of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and encouraging others living with the life-limiting condition to stay positive.
Robert George, from Pendeford, had always led an active lifestyle – having played squash competitively for more than three decades.
While considering himself to be fit and healthy, he was shocked to have been diagnosed with IPF in 2023 – a condition where the lungs become scarred over time and breathing becomes difficult.
The retired Prison Officer said: “During the pandemic I was testing regularly for COVID-19, and it was the Christmas – in 2020 – I was sent home from work having tested positive.
“The cough I’d developed lingered for months, and the GP referred me to a specialist for testing.”
The condition usually affects people who are around 70 to 75 years old and is rare in people under 50. The cause is unknown but has been linked to exposure to certain types of dust, viral infections, a family history of IPF, acid reflux and smoking.
“My lungs were damaged and it was only going to get worse,” said the 67-year-old, “and it seemed as though I was just unlucky – with no real obvious cause in my case.
“I was told I could have just three years to live – at which point I just broke down.”
But with time came acceptance, and he later decided to live the remainder of his life to the fullest – retiring from work in 2024 to spend time with loved ones.
Day-to-day he battles against fatigue and shortness of breath – even finding walking up stairs to be a challenge. Despite this, he has adapted his habits while under the care of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s Respiratory Team.
He added: “I do everything I can alongside daily medication and regular blood tests – I eat the right foods, even with a loss of appetite, and I don’t drink alcohol anymore.
“I’ve tried the best I can to help myself. It would be easy to give up, but I’d say to anyone living with IPF that you’ve got to just stay positive.”
Still finding the fun in life, Robert enjoys fishing, walks, and a soft drink at the pub with friends. He is now five stone lighter from when he got his diagnosis.
Every month a support group in Wolverhampton allows Robert and fellow IPF patients to access advice and share experiences with others.
He said: “I can’t thank the team at New Cross enough for their support in helping me to keep going. They’ve been fantastic.”