1st Feb 1956 – 25th August 2024
Bev Burroughs was a dedicated Trustee of Alpha-1 UK from 2011 until her passing in 2024. Her journey with the organisation began when her dear friend, Linda Cooke, was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic condition affecting the lungs. Together, they discovered an online Yahoo discussion and self-help forum ran by others affected by alpha-1 called Alpha-1 UK, which provided them with valuable information and support.
In 2001, Bev and Linda attended the first UK meeting in Milton Keynes, which was a small gathering. Alpha-1 UK became a registered charity in 2008, and Bev joined as a Trustee in December 2011. As Secretary, she provided essential administrative support and helped organise annual meetings. Although Bev preferred working behind the scenes, she was an active member alongside Linda, attending every annual gathering until Linda’s passing in January 2016.
Bev formed many close friendships within the alpha-1 community and continued her work as a Trustee, attending the annual meetings until the last pre-COVID gathering in 2019, which saw around 100 attendees. In April 2013, she represented Alpha-1 UK at the 4th International Alpha-1 Patient Congress in Barcelona with Karen O’Hara.
Despite not being an alpha herself, Bev experienced extreme breathlessness due to her own health conditions in her later years. Bev’s friends from the alpha-1 community fondly remember her and are grateful for her dedication to the Alpha-1 community in the UK.