Every memory counts
Milan’s story
My name’s Milan and I’m from Surrey. My mother Daksha was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in 2014. I became her full-time carer as well as working as a lawyer. Here’s my story.
My mum was just amazing; caring, kind, and so strong. My parents and I came to the UK in 1980 from India and after a colossal amount of hard work, in 1987 my parents bought their own business, a post office and shop. In 1990 my father suddenly died - I was only 12 years old. Whilst grieving the loss of her soulmate, she ran the two businesses and raised me on her own.
She was a cornerstone of the Chiswick community and was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her service as the post mistress for nearly four decades.
When she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, neither of us had heard of it before. We didn’t appreciate the seriousness of it. She got on with life, but as the condition progressed we had to make adjustments. She lived with my wife and I whilst I cared for her.
I took her to medical appointments, got her medicine, made her food, ensured she had adequate oxygen supply, handled her business affairs on her behalf – the list goes on! My focus was improving her quality of life. We went to Brighton in 2023 fo her birthday, which took a lot of organising with her wheelchair and oxygen, but it was worth it seeing the joy on her face.
I found Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) at a time when I needed them most.
In 2023, I joined the APF Carers Community, which provided an opportunity to meet online with other carers every month. This is a group of people that understand more than anyone the joys and struggles of caring for someone with pulmonary fibrosis.
My mum died earlier this year.
She was an incredible person with extraordinary inner strength, wit and kindness. I miss her dearly. My mother was my best friend, she meant the world to me.