COUGHING THE DISTANCE: Paris to Istanbul with Cystic Fibrosis

Synopsis

Cycling from Paris to Istanbul is quite an achievement in itself, but to do so with less than 50% lung capacity is nothing short of inspiring. ‘Coughing the Distance’ is the adventure of Walter Van Praag, a passionate good humoured 42 year old man from Tasmania who lives with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The documentary follows him and his team as they make the four thousand kilometre journey across Europe, overcoming many environmental and physical challenges.

Walter is always adamant that he is not a ‘sufferer’. He lives his life to the fullest and stays as healthy as he can. Exercise helps him cough up the mucous, thus reducing the infection which then becomes more manageable in conjunction with the large number of pills and potions that he is required to take. This is the vital information he wishes to share with everyone, why he embarked on his great Bike Ride; to be living proof that there is a life to be lived for those with CF – and to not let it get in the way of having fun.