The brave men and women of the RNLI

We have just spent a very pleasant and informative afternoon with Mel Cooper, David and James from the RNLI. David showed us the full kit they wear and Mel gave us some of the history of the organisation as well as showing us a DVD which showed some actual rescues of swimmers in difficulties, people in boats in rough seas and a fisherman who was swept off the rocks in Porthcawl. We certainly owe these brave and dedicated people a huge debt.
Did you know if you need the lifeboat, you dial 999 and ask for the coastguard ?

Amazing success !

For the last six years we have held an abseil event at Dinas Rock in Pontneathvaughan on Easter Sunday and every year the local people who take part raise magnificent sums of money. This year we have raised £6,000 making a total of £33,500 over the six years.

Children and adults take part, ages ranging from eight to seventy, including a COPD patient who has recently completed the pulmonary rehab course at the Baglan Resource Centre. Some can’t wait to come back for another go and others say “Never again – but I did it !” This year Patrick Flood Page, chairman of British Lung Foundation Wales, and his two little girls took part as well as Suzy Davies AM, and a local policeman, an estate agent, an occupational therapist and her family and many, many more. Breathe Easy Cardiff sent a team and they raised £828 for their own group.

Over the years the money has been used to buy equipment for Pulmonary Rehab in the Resource Centre in Baglan Moors and for wider investment into lung disease research.

              We are extremely grateful to Call of the Wild and the Dulais Valley Independent Ambulance Service who run the event and give us medical cover free of charge, meaning that all the money raised can be used to better the lives of people living with lung disease.

Once again we had an awareness stand at the Aberavon Charities Fiesta. Our main theme was "Take Five and Stay Alive" which is focussed on making sure people know how to handle asbestos safely in the home, especially during home improvements. How many people know that it is often to be found in pipe lagging, in Artex and asbestos roofing as well as some fire proofed products. If in doubt, call in the experts. Your local council will help. Better to be safe than sorry. Asbestos breathed in now could cause horrible health problems, such as Mesothelioma, in thirty to forty years time. Call the BLF helpline to find out more 03000 030 555 or check out the British Lung Foundation website www.lunguk.org

As well as making people aware of lung issues we sold dolls and toys, making £60 for our Breathe Easy group.