News and upcoming events
Latest news and information about events taking place in the North West region
North West Regional Newsletters
Download the latest version of the North West Newsletter here:
April Issue - British Lung Foundation, Breathe Easy Newsletter. If you would like to receive the North West monthly Newsletter via email or post please contact the Regional office.
Morecambe Bay Walk
Chris Brockbank, ex chair from BE Fylde & Wyre and his partner Jenny are coming back to the North West to walk the 5 or so miles down Morecambe Bay, to help raise funds for the British Lung Foundation. Chris left BE Fylde & Wyre as he moved to West Sussex, Arnside is dear to Chris's heart, as his Grandfather and father came from there, and he knows the area very well indeed.
They will be setting of on there walk on the 14 July 2012, if you would be interested in sponsoring Chris and Jenny please contact the regional office, 0151 224 7778. Marathon Man
The Support and Development Manager Robert Cooper
Blog 5: Once in a life time experience! I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, their kind words and especially for your kind donations. It was an amazing day! Which got of to a great start, a carnival like atmosphere throughout the race made me proud to be British and can only imagine what it will be like during the Olympics.Unfortunately my carnival kind of ended at the 19 mile marker when I came down with cramp and thus required a brief massage from medical personnel. On the positive side I was treated with two massages in one day, albeit one slightly earlier than expected.
This meant my race against the clock was over and I had to find my inner strength and amble through the last 7 miles to the finish line, probably the longest and most painful hour and half of my life to date! I finally crossed the line at 5hr.13min.
On a more positive note and the real reason why I took part, to date I have raised £1,909.10 and including gift aid £2,162.64 for the British Lung Foundation.
Thanks again for the support
We are also working to increase our profile across the region by encouraging people from the North West to join ‘team breathe’ and run for the BLF. We will have an advert in the Run Liverpool programme asking for runners to support the charity throughout the 2012 programme. If you would like to join ‘team breathe’ as a supporter or a runner please email me for more details on robert.cooper@blf-uk.org ILD/IPF Patient Networking Day
People being diagnosed with ILD/IPF is on the increase, and those who have or care for somebody with interstitial lung disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are unaware of the support available to them, and what is being done in the North West for the conditions.
The BLF North West held the first Meet the Experts event for ILD/IPF patients and carers. The event was fully booked with a number of people requesting information from the day to be posted. Specialist ILD nurses Annette Duck and Sarah Agnew gave an update on ILD/IPF in the North West area and information on Pirfenidone for IPF. They answered any questions attendees had. Other presentations on the day included; a wworkshop about patient support, oxygen therapy and understanding benefits.
Thank you for supporting the work of the British Lung Foundation North West.
Breathe Easy Isle of Man
Breathe Easy Isle of Man was launched on 18 April 2012, the day was a great success with over 18 potential members attending, Carole Carlisle, North West Development Officer, welcomed prospective members to the open day. There were then presentations from Mike McKevitt and Dr John Earis who gave information about the British Lung Foundation and the Breathe Easy Support network. The group have scheduled meeting for the rest of the summer and are looking forward to being part of the BE network. The next Breathe Easy IOM meeting will be held on 16 May 2012 at 6.30pm for further details contact the North West regional office on 0151 224 7778.
WCOPD
This year there was over 23 events taking place in the North West region.
Clayton Square Shopping Centre, Liverpool
The regional office teamed up with Respiratory Nurses from Broadgreen Hospital to hold a spirometry testing event, at Clayton Square shopping centre, Liverpool. Breathe Easy Liverpool North group members braved the cold weather and helped attract members of the public to the awareness stand. Respiratory nurses were kept busy with over a 120 people were tested.
BE Salford
Breathe Easy Salford held a tombola event at Salford Royal hospital, the team had an excellent turn out and managed to clear the tables, which was full of prizes donated from group members. Breathe Easy Salford raised a magnificent amount of £265.00.
BE Bury
BE Bury was joined by the mayor and her Consort who joined in the fun and had a game of blow football challenge, the Mayor insisted on red for Manchester United and left the Manchester City colours of blue to her Consort, she scored a goal but her husband said he let her win. There were a number of people around the table during their match.
Congratulations to Breathe Easy Salford
BE Salford was invited to attend the 'Heart of Salford Award Ceremony', were they had been nominated for the award of 'Organisation of the Year'. We would like to congratulate the support group who won the award. It is a big achievement for the group, after all the effort and hard work. Congratulations !!!!
