British ultrarunner to take on the length of Britain for a devastating lung disease, with the nation invited to support him every step of the way

A powerful new national campaign is launching to shine a spotlight on one of the UK’s most devastating and least understood, lung diseases, as British-born ultrarunner Professor Nick Ashill prepares to run the entire length of Great Britain.

On 5 September 2026, Nick will set out from John O’Groats to run approximately 900–1000 miles to Land’s End, covering the equivalent of a marathon a day for a month, turning one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges into a national movement to help people living with devastating lung disease in support of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust.

Nick will become only the second person in the world to complete the extraordinary endurance trifecta, by running across America, across Australia, and the full length of Great Britain.

The challenge forms the centrepiece of a nationwide campaign: Every Breath is Precious: 900 Miles for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust and people across the UK are being invited to take part.

From seasoned runners to complete beginners, the campaign is calling on the public to get involved in ways that suit them – cheer Nick on as he passes through towns and villages along the route; take part in a virtual run from anywhere in the UK; run or walk the distance at your local gym or home; support, donate, and share the message that every breath matters. Whether it’s one mile or many, every step taken will help raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a progressive, incurable condition that scars the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult.

While Nick will push his body to run 40 miles a day, the reality is people living with PF can struggle to do everyday activities like getting dressed, walking across a room, or even laughing without breathlessness. There is currently no cure. In the UK alone, around 32,500 people are living with PF; 8,000 people are diagnosed each year, over 5,000 people die annually, many patients wait years for an accurate diagnosis. Globally, the disease affects an estimated 5 million people.

This is a journey built on personal loss and extraordinary resilience, Nick Ashill’s motivation is deeply personal. After losing his mother to pulmonary fibrosis in 2015, following delayed diagnosis and limited support, he committed to raising awareness of the disease in the most powerful way he knew: running. Nick has already completed two of the world’s most extreme endurance challenges: Running 3,400 miles across the United States; Running 2,500 miles across Australia.

During his first attempt across America in 2017, Nick was deliberately hit by a vehicle travelling at 60mph and left for dead. He survived, endured 16 surgeries, and was told he would never run again. In 2022, he returned to complete the run. Now, at 62, he is attempting to complete the extraordinary “endurance trifecta” becoming only the second person in the world to run across America, Australia, and the length of Great Britain.

Nick Ashill said, “Pulmonary Fibrosis took someone I love, and it did so quietly. Most people have never heard of it until it's too late. Running the length of Britain is my way of changing that. Every mile is a conversation starter and every step a chance to make sure this disease gets the attention it deserves. I've crossed America. I've crossed Australia but running the length of Britain is my most important journey yet. Not because of the miles, but because of the people living with IPF and the families standing quietly beside them. This run is for them, and it is an act of hope."

In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to the cause, Nick has been appointed Patron of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, where he will support its fundraising efforts and act as an ambassador for the organisation.

Chairman of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust Peter Bryce, who lives with pulmonary fibrosis, said,

“Nick’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary and we are delighted to have him on board as Patron. After being deliberately knocked down during his 2017 run across the USA, an ordeal that left him fighting for his life and facing months of surgeries and rehabilitation, he refused to give up. He returned in 2022 to complete what he started, beginning from the very spot where everything changed, and in 2024 went on to conquer a run across Australia.

“To now take on the length of Great Britain, from John O’ Groats to Land’s End, is a testament to his resilience, determination, and courage. Having had to relearn how to walk, let alone run, Nick embodies true strength of spirit. We are so proud and grateful to Nick for raising awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis – a truly dreadful disease. Please support Nick and help us raise awareness of this devastating condition.”

“Our thanks too, to UK mobility provider, Associated Stairlifts Limited, who are supporting the national campaign.”

The campaign launches ahead of Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in September, when Nick’s run will take place. It aims to raise £100,000 to support patients and families,

improve awareness and earlier diagnosis, reduce stigma and isolation and grow support for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust. Funds raised will help provide emotional support, mobility equipment, and contribute to research.

The journey will be filmed daily and developed into a six-part documentary series, alongside the launch of Nick’s book, The Longest Run: A Story of Endurance, Trauma and Forgiveness. All proceeds from the book will go to the charity.

The public is encouraged to get involved now and be part of the movement - support the run; take on your own challenge; donate; share the message - Because every breath is precious.

Get involved: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/PFT900MILES

Details about the run: https://pulmonaryfibrosistrust.org/every-breath-is-precious

For further information:

Maureen Heffernan, Leisure PR, 07860 529242

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease with no cure

The run begins 5 September 2026 and will take approximately 30 days, finishing in Land’s End on 2ndOctober 2026.

Nick will average around 40 miles per day

The campaign is titled Every Breath is Precious: 900 Miles for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust supports individuals and families affected by PF across the UK

Interviews, images, and filming opportunities are available

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