A GROUP in Darlington that offers support for people living with lung conditions is keen to help even more people in the borough.

Now in its eight year, the Breathe Easy group has been chosen as one of the Mayor’s charities for the next 12-months and wants to attract more members.

The group gives people the chance to learn more about their lung health, what they can do to stay well and what support and information is available.

A recent report found that the North-East has the highest number of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer than in any region in the country.

And according to the British Lung Foundation’s Battle for Breath study, Darlington residents are over 50 per cent more likely to be admitted to hospital for COPD than the average person of the same age and sex living in England, Scotland and Wales.

The Breathe Easy group’s push for increased membership comes at a time when the British Lung Foundation has begun a campaign to find the missing millions unaware they have a lung condition, and get them diagnosed.

A group spokeswoman said: “It’s a fun group that alleviates the stress associated with whatever respiratory condition a person has.

“By chatting to the friendly understanding members, I realised there are others in the same situation, and that I didn’t have to suffer in silence.”

The next meeting will be on September 6 at the Copper Beech, Neasham Road, from 1pm to 3.30pm involving a question and answer session with the input of Darlington’s Mayor and Mayoress Brian and Doris Jones.