"Given that one in five people in Wales live with a lung condition it is not surprising that people in Llanidloes are pleased to hear that a new support group, for those with lung complaints from emphysema to asthma, will be launched in the town.

The British Lung Foundation will hold the first Breathe Easy group meeting at L.L.A.N.I Community centre on 4 February 2009.

There are many Breathe Easy groups across Wales that provide an opportunity for people with any type of breathing problem, and their families and carers to get together. Each meeting is different but there is always time for a cup of tea and a chat, as well as the chance to listen to an interesting guest speaker.

I attended a previous Breathe Easy group in the local area and I will now be involved with the new Llanidloes group.

I have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare lung condition which my mother also suffered from, as well as mild asthma.

As a part time Yoga teacher I work hard to stay active. I used to be a keen hill walker before diagnosis but now get very out of breath when exercising.

I find getting out of breath embarrassing - I have climbed mountains since my diagnosis but it is a very slow and demanding process. At Breathe Easy group there is never a need to be embarrassed as there are so many people there that understand, firsthand, what it feels like to have lung disease.

Given the positive experience I have had with Breathe Easy I am keen to see the new Llanidloes group succeed

I am so pleased that a new Breathe Easy group will be starting up. I really enjoyed going along to Breathe Easy before and learnt a lot from meeting people who cope so bravely with severe lung conditions. I am sure anyone with breathing problems will get something out of coming along to meetings.

Breathe Easy groups are supported by local healthcare professionals and the British Lung Foundation Wale. Groups decide for themselves meeting dates and times as well as what will happen at each meeting.

The Llanidloes group will have help and support from the British Lung Foundation's North Wales Development Officer, Laura Talbot.

If you would be interested in joining Breathe Easy Llanidloes, or if you would like to find out more, please come along for the first meeting. If you would like more information in advance please feel free to call the British Lung Foundation Wales on 01792 455764.

The British Lung Foundation also runs a helpline, charged at local rate, which is staffed by respiratory nurses, welfare advisers and parent counsellors open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm 08458 5050 20 or visit the website which you can link to from the right hand side of this page."

-Ends- Editors note: One person in five in Wales is affected by a lung condition whether it is mild asthma, chronic COPD or very severe conditions such as lung cancer and Mesothelioma. British Lung Foundation Wales, aims to support individuals with any lung condition and also raise awareness of the importance of looking after your lungs. Campaigns range from raising public awareness about respiratory disease to raising funds for more respiratory nurses and equipment.