Going on a sponsored walk isn’t the most obvious option for people who struggle to breathe.

Yet this week members of the Forest of Dean Breathe Easy Group – for people with diseased lungs and their carers – are challenging themselves to do as many circuits of the Blakeney sports field as they can manage.

Their aim is to raise funds for research into chronic diseases like asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) .

The group’s spokesman, Mike Green, admitted they were unlikely to break into a trot.

“I’m hoping to do two circuits of the field, just slowly walking. That will be all I can manage – but the important thing is that we will all attempt our personal best for a cause that matters to us.”

The group hopes that members of the public will get involved.

They can either get themselves sponsored and take part or offer to sponsor a member of the group, says Mike.

“It is for our children and grandchildren that we raise this money.

“If scientists find ways to cure or relieve diseases like COPD, then it will help our youngsters to breathe with healthy lungs when they get older,” he added.

The walk takes place tomorrow (Thursday, June 20) at 2pm.

Spectators and participants are welcome or, if you can’t make it to Blakeney, but would like to help the cause, Mike Green can be contacted on 01989 485566.