Help for chronic disease sufferers in Blackburn with Darwen

1:03pm Thursday 2nd September 2010

By Neil Docking

A NEW 'Breathe Easy' support group is hoping to help improve the quality of life for Blackburn and Darwen's 3,500 COPD sufferers.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the United Kingdom’s fifth largest killer disease, and in Blackburn with Darwen death rates are higher than anywhere else in England and Wales.

Health experts believe there could be at least another 1,500 people unaware that their symptoms, which include persistent cough, wheezing and recurrent chest infections, are caused by the illness, and that they could be treated.

Now the Breathe Easy group has received a £2,000 boost thanks to a summer fundraising fair, part of Blackburn Innovation Centre's two-year anniversary celebrations at Evolution Park.

Organised by the developers of the innovation centre, St Modwen, it aimed to raise awareness of the British Lung Foundation led group and NHS Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Care Trust Plus' Community Pulmonary Rehabilitation team, which has already provided support and advice for more than 400 residents.

Group treasurer Susan Arkwright, 65, from Roe Lee, Blackburn, was diagnosed with COPD five years ago.

She said: “It helps being around people who suffer the same as you because they understand what you are going through. We're trying to build a community.”

Stan Foulds, 72, of Accrington Road, Blackburn, had asthma for 20 years, but was only told he has COPD 18 months ago.

He said: “I'm on the right medication now, which has made a big difference. I'm trying to spread the word.

“I get help with breathing methods and what to do if you have a panic attack. And the exercise we do is better than the medication.”

The summer fete included a BBQ, stalls such as a coconut shy and tombola, plus a Blackburn Rovers 'beat the goalie' challenge.

Dawn Rogers, centre manager at Blackburn Innovation Centre, said: “This is something close to my heart, as my father was a COPD sufferer. He died last month and it brought it home to me how important this is.

The Breathe Easy group meets on the last Thursday of every month from noon to 1pm at Mill Hill Community Centre.

To find out more about Breathe Easy call the Community Pulmonary Team on 01254 584536.