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LIWA mourns the loss of its Hero Paul Barratt
Paul was inspiration to all those who worked in the area of lung research because of his determination to live life to the fullest and his desire to help others, despite the many challenges that he faced. In March and April in 2010 Paul, WA’s first heart lung transplant recipient, completed the 498km Munda Biddi bike trail. Paul generously used the event to raise funds for LIWA and to promote the organisation extensively to the media. Paul’s ride was a remarkable demonstration of what an individual with chronic lung disease can achieve thanks to the combined efforts of modern medical help and Paul’s own remarkable zest for life. After this ride, Paul continued his support of LIWA as an Ambassador, attending many of its events and offering his support whenever he was able. Even in the last few weeks of his life, Paul was working to support LIWA’s involvement in a cycling race by making personal calls to generate support for the event and being photographed in his cycling gear by a newspaper to promote the event. Often at Paul’s side were his wife Joanne and son Chris. Paul spoke often and warmly of his family who were at the centre of his life and supported him so much in his role as LIWA’s Ambassador. All at the Institute will miss Paul greatly but will strive to honour his memory by continuing to work to better understand and treat lung disease. Vale Paul from your friends at LIWA. |
The Lung Institute of Western Australia is saddened by the recent sudden passing of Mr Paul Barratt who was a LIWA Ambassador and was named by LIWA as its Hero of 2011.