WHAT may have been a stroll in the park for some people was a real challenge for those with diseased lungs.

But members of the Forest of Dean Breathe Easy Group put their best foot forward to raise funds and awareness in the 2019 ‘Take Steps’ sponsored walk around Blakeney Sports Field.

Joined by two exercise class members in warm weather, Mike Green and wife Barbara, Lillian Dermody and husband Gary, Terry Quinlan and wife Beryl, and Angela Dennis and her Yorkie dog Bundle completed a double circuit to raise £245 for British Lung Foundation research.

Spokesman Mike Green said: “Going on a sponsored walk isn’t the most obvious option for people who struggle to breathe.

“Yet members of the Forest of Dean Breathe Easy Group – for people with diseased lungs and their carers – challenged themselves to do as many circuits of the Blakeney Sports Field as they could ma- nage.

“The aim was to raise funds for research into chronic diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“I was hoping to do two circuits of the field, just slowly walking, which is all I can manage, and I was able to do it without too much of a problem.

“It’s the second time we’ve done it, and we all had a lovely time.

“But the important thing is that we attemp- ted our personal best for a cause that matters to us.

“It is for our children and grandchildren that we raise this money. If scientists find ways to cure or relieve diseases like COPD, it will help our youngsters to breathe with healthy lungs when they get older.”

He paid a special thanks to Blakeney surgery medical secretary Chris Jones, Breathe Easy committee member Beryl Quinlan and Andy Vivian for their support in organising the event.