BLF Bulletin
The latest news from the British Lung Foundation
Winter 2016
Looking ahead
Our chief executive, Dr Penny Woods, tells us why thirty years on, the British Lung Foundation is needed more than ever.
It is you, the members of our Breathe Easy groups who always inspire me and act as a reminder of the value of our work.
More than 12 million people in the UK (one in five people) have been diagnosed with a lung condition. Yet lung health still receives much less NHS attention than heart disease and cancer. We’ve published a study of the nation’s lung health which we’ll use to fight for improvements and demand a higher priority for lung conditions.
We’re investing more in mesothelioma research. Our IPF project is raising awareness of this neglected condition. We’re starting projects to look at children’s lung health, and finding ways to support people to exercise and sing for lung health.
And what about the air we breathe? 29,000 people die every year because of the UK’s awful air quality; more must be done to prevent these needless deaths. We’ve had successful campaigns to ban smoking in cars with children and for plain cigarette packaging. Big Tobacco has huge budgets but we have truth on our side.
Our vision is that one day everyone will breathe clean air with healthy lungs. It’s a long way off, but with your support we can make it happen.
To find out about the impact we’ve had in 2014-15, visit
Free exercise DVD
Order our Stay Active, Stay Well DVD from the online shop today. It aims to help improve the health of anyone with a lung condition, mild or severe. It includes step-by-step activities as well as warm-up and cool-down sections. All in the comfort of your own home!
Order at or call 03000 030 555.
Keeping well in the cold
Cold weather can have a big impact on health. Here are our tips for keeping warm and well.
Wear layers of clothing – this traps warm air better. Stay as active as possible to generate body heat – get up, move around and do some exercise. Have hot drinks, hot food and heat your home to at least 18°C. You may want to keep your living room warmer, especially if you know the cold can trigger a flare-up or if you can’t move around easily. At night, wear warm nightclothes and keep your window closed as breathing cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.
Check the weather before going out. If it’s too cold, stay indoors. If you have an inhaler, use it half an hour before going out. Carry your medication at all times, as cold air can tighten your airways. Breathe through your nose – this helps warm the air – and wear a hood or scarf that covers your mouth.
To find out more, call our helpline on 03000 030 555.
COPD means I can only plan daily
Sometimes Chris finds walking just five steps a struggle. He tells us how COPD has affected his life.
“I’m going to die!” I yell.
Later, I see vague shapes. My daughter appears out of the misty blur. I’m in hospital, she tells me. I’ve been here for five weeks – OMG, too much to deal with.
That was two years ago, and I’m fortunate to have recovered. I’ve smoked millions of fags but stopped nine years ago. I have severe COPD, and a lung function of 15%.
I’ve done pulmonary rehabilitation three times and go to an exercise class every week. I need to take lots of drugs, and carry a portable oxygen cylinder around with me.
Breathlessness has a permanent effect on us and our loved ones. Dreams have to be ditched. For me it’s really sad that I can’t go to the USA any more, where we have friends and relatives.
Losses mean depression, sadness and resentment. And that leads to rejection and isolation. I’m only comfortable when I’m lying or sitting down. So it’s no wonder people like me can easily become inactive and unfulfilled.
Sometimes I wake up and find that even walking five steps is a great effort. The next day it’ll be easy-peasy. For me, COPD really stands for Can Only Plan Daily.
Luckily, I’m well supported by my GP practice, respiratory ward, exercise class and physiotherapist. And of course my family help me a lot; my wife, daughter and sister.
To read Chris’s full story, visit
Support for young researchers
Professor Stephen Holgate is one of the world’s leading biomedical researchers and chair of our scientific committee. He was starting out in respiratory research when he received his first BLF grant. He describes why it mattered.
In 1986, I received £76,000 from the BLF to study the causes of asthma flare-ups in schoolchildren.
Working from the University of Southampton, we collected samples from children with asthma and showed that viruses like the common cold were the major cause. We set up a company to develop therapy to protect people with asthma against these viruses.
That BLF grant was the foundation of my career. It was responsible for everything that followed. Over time, more researchers were attracted to the University of Southampton, making it one of the leading centres for asthma research in the world.
The BLF gives young researchers money to run pilot projects so they can apply for further funding from larger organisations. It also offers them travel fellowships to present their work at important international conferences.
This invaluable experience is helping to develop the next generation of breakthrough lung researchers in the UK. And this is helping to drive real progress!
Take Steps to fight lung disease in June
We all know a gentle walk can be great for your lungs.
This June, why not combine some healthy exercise and fresh air with fundraising for the British Lung Foundation? By holding a sponsored walk, you and your members can do something amazing in the fight against lung disease.
Your walk can be as short and gentle or as long and strenuous as you like – you can even hold a relay so each member can tailor the challenge to themselves. We’ll be on hand to support you every step of the way.
If you or your group want to take part, or if your friends and family are interested, just email or visit to find out more and register your interest.
Get in touch
BLF Direct
PO Box 2022, Liverpool L69 3TU
03003 030 253
Email:
Website:
Helpline: 03000 030 555