Nearly 300 swimmers, volunteers and supporters came together last month for the 27th edition of the Respiralia Swim Around Formentera, an annual event that raises awareness of cystic fibrosis and supports people living with the condition.
Held on the Spanish island of Formentera, the event combines sport, solidarity and community spirit. Over two and a half days, participants took part in staged open-water swims around the island, supported by a dedicated volunteer team that helped ensure everyone could participate safely.
More than a sporting challenge, Respiralia is an opportunity for people to come together in support of children, young people and families affected by cystic fibrosis. Each year, participants from a wide range of backgrounds contribute their effort, energy and encouragement to raise awareness of the condition and the importance of access to the best possible care.
This year’s event was particularly memorable for European Lung Foundation (ELF) Director Pippa Powell, who joined the swim for the first time alongside hundreds of participants supporting Fundación Respiralia:
“What will stay with me most is the extraordinary Fundación Respiralia community. Everyone taking part was there to challenge themselves, but most importantly to support lung health through Fundación Respiralia. Their commitment was truly inspiring.” – Pippa Powell, ELF Director
The event also highlighted the strength and resilience that sit at the heart of the cystic fibrosis community. In its event report, Respiralia reflected on the many personal journeys represented among participants and volunteers, all united by a shared commitment to supporting people affected by cystic fibrosis.
ELF Chair Dimitris Kontopidis welcomed the event’s role in bringing people together around lung health and patient advocacy:
“As someone living with cystic fibrosis, I understand the day-to-day challenges faced by people with chronic lung conditions, as well as the importance of ensuring equitable access to treatment, support and care. Events like Respiralia help bring communities together while raising awareness of the issues that matter to patients.” – Dimitris Kontopidis, ELF Chair
As ELF Chair, Dimitris is leading ELF’s Chair’s Campaign on equitable access to lung transplantation across Europe. The campaign reflects both his personal experience of living with cystic fibrosis and his long-standing commitment to improving treatment access and reducing health inequalities for people with respiratory conditions.
Respiralia’s focus on supporting people and families affected by cystic fibrosis closely aligns with these aims, highlighting the importance of community support, patient advocacy and access to the care people need throughout their lives.
Respiralia 2026 demonstrated the power of community action, volunteering and patient advocacy to make a difference for people living with cystic fibrosis. ELF is proud to support initiatives that bring people together to raise awareness, share experiences and champion better lung health across Europe.
ELF would like to thank everyone who donated to Pippa’s swim fundraising challenge and the ELF Chair’s Campaign 2023-2026 campaign. Every contribution, message of encouragement and act of support helped raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and strengthen efforts to improve lung health and support people living with lung conditions across Europe.
Learn more about cystic fibrosis: https://europeanlung.org/en/information-hub/lung-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/
