Support the Epsom road race, declares charity (From Your Local Guardian)

Support the Epsom road race, declares charity

8:50am Thursday 23rd April 2009 in

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The chairman of a local support group for people with breathing difficulties is encouraging people to support the annual ladies’ road race the Hogsmill this year.

Organised by Epsom Allsorts, the Hogsmill on May 10, starting from the Hawker Centre in Poole Road, will donate all profits to Epsom’s Breathe Easy branch.

Last year, 173 women took part raising £500 for charity.

Chairman of Breathe Easy Epsom, Raymond Blears, 73, who has emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease said: “My breathing problems really started about five years ago and have got worse over the years to the point where I am now on full-time oxygen.

“It’s very difficult when you have no problems with breathing to imagine what life is like for those of us who can’t take breathing for granted, but it impacts on everything. People can find themselves isolated both because of their situation and because they literally cannot get out independently.

“The group is supported by the British Lung Foundation and we meet once a month informally at the Well’s Centre to support each other, share our experiences and socialise.

"The group is only relatively young – we have been going about two years and I have found it a vital support and made many friends through it.

"We all get so much out of it and really enjoy it.”

The club has a membership of about 30 people and is open to anyone who has any breathing difficulties at all.

Each month there is a talk which can be health-related or simply on a fun or interesting topic and the chance to catch up with other members and respiratory nurses for a cup of tea.

Mr Blear’s daughter Sue is a member of the Epsom Allsorts.

She said: “I’ve been a member of the club for about two years and it’s great that it is supporting Breathe Easy in Epsom.

"It seems very fitting that those of us who can get out and enjoy aerobic activity can do something to benefit those people who might not be able to.

“We hope that people will sign up to run or that they’ll come out and cheer on those taking part on the day.

"I am not going to run this year but will be out with my children – and hopefully dad – supporting those who are running for such a good cause with banners and balloons.”

For more information please visit www.epsomallsorts.org.uk

If you would like more information about Breathe Easy Epsom please contact Katie Khan on 01372 384336, or visit the British Lung Foundation website: www.lunguk.org

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