‘Brave and wonderful’ fundraiser with incurable lung condition mourned

A “brave and wonderful” woman with an incurable lung condition who raised tens of thousands of pounds for research into her disease has died.

Juliet Coffer, who lived in Hampshire, had sarcoidosis, which affects breathing and life expectancy, and rose to national prominence last year in her bid to raise awareness of the rare condition.

Brogan Fricker of SarcoidosisUK said Juliet was “a huge part of the community, having been involved with us since March 2021,” adding: “She was a fantastic supporter and fundraiser, raising over £47,000 for our charity, and increasing the profile of sarcoidosis.”

The charity was “beyond grateful for everything Juliet did and are honoured to have met her,” said Fricker. “She was truly a wonderful, kind and brave lady who touched the lives of so many people and will be dearly missed.”

Juliet, who was in her early 50s, made the headlines after walking 100 metres a day in her home to raise money for SarcoidosisUK, which researches the condition. She set herself a target of walking 3,000 metres throughout April, but smashed it, walking 4,100 metres by the end.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic, I can’t believe it,” she said, speaking to Jewish News at the time. “Sometimes, when you think something’s impossible, if you try it you just don’t know – you probably can do it!” She was interviewed on television after her story featured in Jewish News.

Sarcoidosis occurs where lumps called granulomas develop at different sites within the body. If enough develop around an organ, it can stop it working properly. As one donor said on her fundraising page, “this little known and even lesser understood disease leaves a dark cloud hanging over all affected”.

Juliet, whose parents were founding members of Bushey Synagogue, described sarcoidosis as “a bit of a silent disease”. She said: “The fact we’ve now managed to get it on the TV is amazing.”