Breathe Easy Neath Valley AGM August 17^th 2012

Our Breathe Easy group continues to do its work of supporting people with lung disease and their carers, keeping the local community informed through awareness events and fundraising so that we are self supporting and are able to give money to British Lung Foundation for their work in fighting lung disease.
We have had outings during the year and we continue with our once a month lunch. We have decided to vary the places we eat, so if you want to join us, contact me on dandm.barnard@virgin.net

Last year we bought a leaflet board for the Dulais Valley Surgery in Seven Sisters which is now fixed to the wall in a prominent position beside the desk, and is well used.

The abseil, earlier this year raised £5,866. This means that over the year we have been able to give British Lung Foundation Wales £8,328. We presented the cheque today and feel very proud of ourselves.

We have collecting tins in two locations, the Continental Garage in Ystradgynlais and the Train Station Gym in Glynneath. These bring in a steady return of around £16 every other month. At every awareness stand we do I take along my knitted dolls and usually average around £60 in sales.

We have welcomed five new members over the year and were very sad to lose one of our founder members earlier in the year.

Once the AGM was over Emma Lippiat, from Public Health Wales - Screening, gave us interesting facts and figures on the sreening program in Wales. I found it quite sad that there is such a low return rate on the bowel screening test, especially from men. It is such a simple test, if a tad unpleasant, done in the privacy of your own bathroom. What could be easier ? It was also interesting to hear that screening reminders won't be sent out after the age of 70, but you can request to continue to be included for bowel, breast and cervical smears after this age.

If you want to know more call the Freephone Helpline 0800 294 3370 or go to  www.bowelscreeningwales.org.uk