A passionate charity trustee has been nominated for The Impartial Reporter's Community Champion Awards.

Clare Donohoe was nominated as part of the inaugural awards. “Oh wow, that’s shocking”, she replied, when told of her nomination.

Mrs. Donohoe has been a tireless champion of patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis and is an active trustee for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI. She has helped organise fundraisers right across Northern Ireland.

Her latest challenge is the launch of her new book, 'Pete the Puffling’s Brave Adventure', which is believed to be the first children’s book in the world that deals with Pulmonary Fibrosis, and will be published later this year.

Impartial Reporter: Clare Donohoe, launching her book, ''Pete The Pufling's Brave Adventure''.

Describing the inspiration for the book, she said: “I was up in Queen’s University [Belfast] doing a talk with respiratory nurses about our charity, and my presentation was about things we have done over the years [for fundraising], and our son, Ryan, was in the middle of all the pictures.

"One of the nurses asked what is in place to support children, and I said, 'Nothing', but then that gave me an idea to write a book.

“Last November, I wrote a script and ran through it with some friends and some trustees from the charity, I then enlisted Kevin McHugh, the artist, to do the illustrations, and he is hard at it now.”

The book launch will take place in the Workhouse, Enniskillen on June 15.

The book will educate both children and adults about Pulmonary Fibrosis and will provide families with a tool to navigate and support them when having conversations about the disease and its impacts.

Speaking about the book, Mrs. Donohoe said: “This doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world and it will hopefully help families.”

Nominating Mrs. Donohoe, her nominator recognised her “outstanding commitment” to raising awareness about Pulmonary Fibrosis and supporting families and her work supporting families affected by it.

They said: “Clare's tireless dedication to this cause is truly inspiring and deserving of this recognition.”

Detailing Mrs. Donohoe’s work for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, her nominator said: “Clare's personal connection to the illness through her husband's diagnosis has fuelled her passion to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Pulmonary Fibrosis.

"She has selflessly devoted countless hours to organising fundraising events and initiatives, all aimed at providing support and raising awareness for this life-limiting and often fatal illness.

“Not only has Clare worked tirelessly to support families in her local community of Co. Fermanagh, but she has also extended her efforts to make an impact across Northern Ireland.

"Her advocacy has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many individuals and families facing the challenges of Pulmonary Fibrosis.

“Clare's unwavering commitment and her remarkable ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others make her a truly deserving candidate for the Charity Champion Award.

"Her passion, empathy, and selfless dedication embody the spirit of this prestigious honour, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”