Leeds family go to extraordinary lengths in memory of much-loved mum, wife and grandma

A family from Leeds have completed an incredible series of fundraising challenges in memory of their much-loved mum, wife and grandma.

Lou Hermann died in 2025 after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease that affects an estimated 150,000 people in the UK.

Her family “wanted to turn our heartbreak into something good” and have now raised more than £10,000 for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis through a number of gruelling challenges.

Lou’s husband Anthony, 73, walked 100 laps of Yeadon Tarn over 10 days ahead of the first anniversary of her death.

Daughters Karis and Lauren completed a skydive, while Karis organised the ‘Lou’s 100’, a challenge to encourage others to get involved and raise £100.

Lauren completed one physical challenge every month for a year.

Son-in-law Luke took on a 110km ultramarathon in September after running 10km every day for a month earlier this year. Best friends Alison and Alex walked 100 miles. Sister Yvonne held a fundraising day at her local pub. Friend Martin swam 100 lengths.

Granddaughter Darci-Lou sold handmade keyrings, artwork and sunflower items.

Daughter Karis said: “This fundraising journey comes from the hardest place imaginable. Losing Mum is still something I find extremely hard to digest. Watching her deteriorate and knowing there was nothing we could do to stop it was truly heart-breaking.

“Pulmonary fibrosis slowly took pieces of her away from us. Mum was such a funny, witty person and she loved her family and friends more than anything. The hardest thing is knowing she should still be here for all the things that are still to come.

“When she told me she had an incurable disease, we had never even heard of pulmonary fibrosis. From that moment, I knew I wanted to put those emotions into something good, so I found Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and decided I was going to fundraise for them.

“What started with the Leeds Marathon has grown into something our whole family and friendship group has got behind. From skydives and an ultramarathon to ‘Lou’s 100’, everyone has wanted to do something in mum’s memory.”

She added: “We’ve now raised more than £10,000 and we hope to keep going. We already have more family and friends planning challenges for 2027.”

Pulmonary fibrosis is a terminal lung condition in which scarring makes breathing increasingly difficult.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis, funding research and campaigning to improve diagnosis, treatment and care.

Daniel Saxton, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis chief executive, said: “What Lou’s family have done is an incredible tribute to her and a powerful example of turning something deeply personal into positive action.

“Too many people still know very little about pulmonary fibrosis. By taking on these challenges, Lou’s family are helping more people understand the impact of this disease while raising vital funds.”

He added: “We are hugely grateful to everyone who has taken part. Their fundraising helps us provide information and support, campaign for better care and fund research into better treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and, one day, a cure.”