Oxygen extends life

For those who need it, oxygen extends life. This was the message Alison Channing, the oxygen nurse from Baywater Healthcare brought us on Friday. The trouble is that many people think that breathlessness and low oxygen levels are the same thing - THEY ARE NOT ! That is a difficult concept to get your head around even for those of us who use oxygen regularly. They often go together but they are not the same thing.

It was nice to meet Alison and get to know her. She will come back later in the year and show us some of the equipment on offer for oxygen users and to tell us about plans for the future. The technology in this field is moving so fast, there is always something new. We have yet to be offered a lightweight method of delivering oxygen, so come on all you clever inventors out there. We want an oxygen container or a portable concentrator which is so lightweight it doesn't cause shoulder pain when carried for a long time. 

Powys Silver Kite Award

 



Doug and I were very proud today to be invited to tea at the Abercrave Inn, with the Chairman of Powys County Council, Colonel John Brunt OBE TD, Elizabeth Protheroe, our local Councillor, David Thomas, the Head of British Lung Foundation Wales, Chris Mulholland and our neighbours Merle and David. This was so that we could be presented with our Silver Kite Awards for our work for British Lung Foundation Wales, campaigning and raising awareness of lung conditions. Over the years we have both enjoyed turning the negative experience of living with lung disease into something positive.

 

 

Welfare and Benefit Reforms

We had an interesting talk from Debbie White about the changes to Disability Benefits and how they will affect members of our group. Most of us are over the age of 65 so, thankfully, there will be no change for us. Everything we have now will remain in place. For those under 65 reviews will take place but there is such a backlog now that it will be 2017 or even later than that.

Since we had our meeting we have seen in the press that ATOS have had their contract terminated, which seems to be a good thing after all the awful stories we were hearing about decisions they were making and the ways in which those decisions were reached. Let's hope the new people have more empathy with the people they are working with. There are scroungers claiming disability benefits, who need to be caught and punished, but the majority of claimants are genuine, and this must be recognised.

Abseil 2014

It's that time of year again - we are getting ready for our 8th abseil event. Over the years we have raised just over £36,500 - it never ceases to amaze me.

PLEASE, PLEASE support us either by donating through Justgiving

or contact me for an application form and take part yourself. Go on, you know you want to.



The Mumbles Railway

Phil Treseder, from Swansea Museum, came to share a bit of Swansea's history with us today and what a wonderful story lies behind the Mumbles Railway ! It started life as a horse drawn carriages which ran on  rail tracks.

It wasn't a cheap day out either. Only the better off could afford this lovely ride around the edge of Swansea bay

 After the horses came steam and the use of a variety of carriages - it looks like whatever they had they hitched on.

Now we got varying ticket prices. Those who could afford it rode in the enclosed carriage and the less affluent could sit on top.

After the steam trains came electrification and the trams. Apparently these are still called a railway, rather than a tramway, because the cars were linked together.

Two really nice things happened today at the meeting. Firstly we welcomed a new member, which is always good news. Secondly, an enthusiast had seen the talk advertised and came to ask if he could join us just for the day, and of course we made him welcome.
thank you Phil for an interesting talk about a Swansea landmark.

NPT Carers

Alison and Eryl, from Neath Port Talbot Carers, came to tell us about all the support they can give to carers. There are so many ways from a helpline, 01639 642277, to respite care so that the carer can have a day off, and advice on how to access financial help.
This is a vital service to support the many people in the community who take on caring roles, often without realising that support and services are out there for them.
If you want to know more you can email information@nptcarers.org.uk
On February 20th we will have an information stand in The Centre, Lodge Drive, Baglan, Port Talbot, SA12 8UB. If you care for someone with a lung condition, pop in and see what help and support we can offer you.

Christmas with the Catwg Bell Ringers

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas until we have celebrated at our Neath annual party. The Swansea group came over once again to join our festivities and fun, and we had the Catwg Bell Ringers to entertain us and then work us hard. Yes, we had to ring the bells ourselves - bit of a din to start off with but we got there in the end.

Most  of the tasty nibbles were eaten, but the few leftovers went home for our various grandchildren. The plateful we brought home disappeared pretty quickly once our two came to visit.

The ladies always look so cheerful in their red and green outfits with a Victorian look about them. They have helped us celebtate Christmas before and are firm favourites, so we were pleased to have them back.

I hope all our followers have a lovely Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.