It is with great sadness that we remember Arran, a member of the Alpha-1 Global community (and Alpha-1 advocate), whose life was defined not by the challenges he faced, but by the joy, courage, and kindness he shared with others.
Arran was a passionate surfer since childhood, a loyal friend, and someone who approached life with a remarkable sense of gratitude. He surfed competitively on the world stage, most recently for the British team, garnering praise and standing. The ocean was where he felt most at home, but it was the people around him who experienced the greatest impact of his presence. Friends describe someone with radiant energy, a generous heart, and a rare ability to make others feel supported and valued.
Arran was diagnosed soon after birth with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1), a rare genetic condition that can affect the lungs and liver. While Alpha-1 was part of his journey, it never defined who he was. Instead, Arran showed what it means to pursue the things you love, embrace meaningful connections, and live with purpose despite life’s challenges.
Those who knew Arran often speak about the way he encouraged others. He checked in on friends, offered support when people needed it most, and reminded those around him to make the most of every day.
Arran’s passing is deeply felt by his family, friends, the global surfing community, and the Alpha-1 community. He is presumed to have died after going missing off Portugal’s Algarve coast while accompanying long-distance stand-up paddleboarder and long-time mentor José Maria Pyrrait along the rugged coastline near Arrifana Beach. We extend our heartfelt condolences to those who loved him most, including his family, whose connection and support have been an important part of the Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F) community. His mother, Shane Fitch, served on the A1F Board of Directors for three years. Shane created the Lovexair Foundation in Portugal as a support organization for people affected by respiratory diseases in 2011.
She shared, “Now it’s time to pass on his love and zest for life. He surely lived it fully in his 27 years.”
Richard Lovrich, a fellow Alpha-1 advocate and friend, reflected on Arran’s impact:
“Arran was a liver-affected Alpha and internationally competitive surfer. I was the amateur surfer that had to quit because of my Alpha-1 lung disease, so of course we became friends. Advocating for Alpha-1 and surfing both came naturally to Arran. I take comfort in the fact that if we had to lose him, the sea now has him in its embrace.”
Although Arran’s life was far too short at only 27 years, the impact he made will continue through the many people he inspired. His story is a reminder that a person’s legacy is not measured only by the years they are given, but by the kindness they share, the lives they touch, and the love they leave behind.
May we remember Arran by carrying forward the qualities he embodied so naturally: a passion for life, compassion for others, and the courage to follow what brought him joy.
Below is a poem written by Arran’s mother in memory of him:
Arran was a lover of life
And the sea was his place in the world
From a very young age he learned
that dreams are not waited for
They are worked for
They are pursued
They are reached with effort and determination
Illness was part of his journey
but it never defined who he was
nor how far he could go
Arran chose to move forward
To grow as a surfer
To better himself as a person
And never settle for giving up
His achievements were not only in sport
As an ambassador for Lovexair
he turned his experience into purpose
and his story into inspiration
He taught us that taking care of yourself
means knowing yourself, listening to your body
and taking charge of your own life
His strength inspired
His vitality was contagious
His generosity paved the way
And at the center of his life
were always his loved ones
His mother
His son
His sisters
His friends
The love he received
The love he gave
The love that remains
Arran leaves us a way of living
With passion
With determination
With gratitude
And with an eye on everything that is still possible
Your story is part of our story
Your purpose will live on at Lovexair
Your legacy will keep inspiring us
Always with us, Arran
Thank you for everything you taught us
Thank you for everything you leave us
