Chief Executive gets breathless!

Paul Forden, Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust, is among those who are planning to ‘hop, skip or jump’ – or whatever it takes to get breathless! – through the city centre on Saturday 25 June in aid of the British Lung Foundation and its patient support network, Breathe Easy.

The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Michael Banham, and Dr Ian Gibson, MP for Norwich North, are also taking part in ‘Get Breathless’ event to mark the charity’s 20th birthday.

Respiratory disease is a major problem in Norfolk. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and results in more than 700 emergency hospital admissions to the Norfolk and  Norwich University Hospital every year, with an average length of stay of eight days.

Asthma affects 10-15 per cent of schoolchildren in Norfolk and around 300 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital each year.

Breathe Easy Norwich is a patient support group for those living with lung disease and is one of the largest in the country, with a membership of some 250 from across Norfolk. Around 60-70 attend the monthly meetings at St Faiths.

The British Lung Foundation provides information and support for patients and their families, funds medical research and campaigns for improved treatments and services. The ‘Get Breathless’ event is designed to support these projects and to raise awareness of conditions that have traditionally received scant attention.

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: “We are thrilled that so many people are getting involved in Breathe Easy Week during our 20th birthday year.  I am constantly in awe of our members who achieve so much whilst living with a lung disease.”

If you would like more information about the British Lung Foundation, Breathe Easy or Get Breathless! Should visit www.lunguk.org http://www.lunguk.org or call the BLF Helpline on 08457 502020.

If anyone would like information on the local Breathe Easy Norwich Group, which meets monthly at the St Faith’s Centre, please contact Paula Browne or Sandra Olive on 01603 289779.

Media contact: Hayley Gerrard at the NNUH on 01603 289821