We are pleased to share Rikki’s story, highlighting real experiences of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In this video, Rikki reflects on living with multiple respiratory conditions, including COPD, bronchiectasis and asthma, and how these have shaped his daily life over time. He speaks openly about the physical limitations caused by reduced mobility, the interaction between respiratory and other health conditions, and the broader impact on wellbeing.
A central message of Rikki’s story is the need to rethink how palliative care is understood and delivered. Too often associated only with end-of-life care, palliative care is rarely introduced early enough. Rikki highlights how earlier access to information, physiotherapy approaches and supportive care could help patients better manage their condition and potentially delay deterioration.
He also underlines the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical symptoms and ensuring that patients and caregivers are informed and prepared well in advance. From his perspective, palliative care should be tailored to different care settings and introduced progressively, rather than only at advanced stages.
Rikki’s contribution reflects the core mission of the EU PAL-COPD project: to place patients at the centre of palliative care design and ensure that their experiences shape future approaches to care.
Rikki is part of the European Lung Foundation’s COPD Patient Advisory Group (PAG), whose members provide invaluable lived experience to EU PAL-COPD. Through their active involvement in consultations, material reviews and strategic discussions, the PAG ensures that the project stays grounded in the real needs and priorities of people affected by COPD.
A huge thank you to Lungs Europe for preparing and producing this video and for their continued support in bringing patient voices to the forefront.
