Everybody has heard of Cancer Research, and everybody has also heard of the British Heart Foundation: but stop 10 people in the street and ask them what they know about the British Lung Foundation, and one would be lucky to find one with any recognition of its existence. I know; I’ve tried it: yet this charity has been running for over 20 years. The disheartening statistics are that, on average, one member of every family has a lung problem, with resultant breathing problems, illnesses from work and premature death. Lung disease is not funny.
As a charity, the British Heart Foundation last year raised over pounds100million. The British Lung Foundation (BLF) in that year raised just under pounds5million, and this 20-1 disparity in the amount of recognition for each certainly needs addressing. After the scourge of cancer, the heart and lungs are the things that keep us alive, and problems with either lead to heartbreaking (and lung- breaking) consequences. There are over 40 separately- identified lung diseases, and much more research into all aspects of the treatment of each is urgently needed.
With our government too wrapped up in spending our taxes on its own priorities to support much in the way of lung research, it seems that charity is the only way solutions to the plight of people with breathing difficulties can be addressed. The BLF has set up over 200 local support groups to raise money for research, several in the South West; as well as organising events, the one in Plymouth with which I am associated has a monthly meeting at 1.30pm on the first Tuesday of every month at Tothill Community Centre, which anyone with an interest in the subject is more than welcome to attend (for tea and biscuits, talks from experts in various fields, and general discussion in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere).
And to those rich enough, can I say that if you’re wondering which of the many you could nominate for your next charity donation, I have a suggestion.
(c) 2008 Plymouth Evening Herald, The. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
Comments